PSG denies claims of rift with Fabian Ruiz ahead of Liverpool clash
Paris Saint-Germain have denied claims that they are frustrated with Spanish midfielder Fabian Ruiz, who has reportedly declined to continue playing due to discomfort from a knee injury, reports BritPanorama.
The reigning Champions League winners announced on Tuesday that the 30-year-old will be unavailable for their quarter-final first leg clash with Liverpool. According to reports, the situation has created tension at the French club, with Ruiz maintaining he will not take to the pitch or participate in training sessions if he feels any pain in his knee.
The midfielder will instead follow an individual programme as he continues his recovery towards match fitness. Ruiz has been out of action since January, and the injury was originally considered a relatively minor issue, having been characterised as a bruise to his left knee. However, L’Equipe journalist Loic Tanzi has reported that the ongoing absence has started to generate frustration among club officials.
Within PSG, there is a belief that Ruiz’s knee is now “completely fine,” and he could have been available for their Ligue 1 fixture against Toulouse at the weekend. The Spanish international has made 24 appearances this term but has not featured for either club or country since the start of the year.
Tanzi elaborated on the player’s position, stating: “There is one certainty, it’s what he says and that he repeats that as long as he is in pain and suffering, he doesn’t want to play.” This insistence has led to noticeable concerns about his commitment to the team’s performance as he continues to refrain from participating in training whenever he experiences discomfort.
Ruiz’s absence is particularly notable given his significance to the squad, having accumulated 61 appearances during PSG’s historic Treble-winning season last year. Despite the reported tensions, PSG manager Luis Enrique has attempted to play down suggestions of a rift with the midfielder. Speaking at a pre-match press conference, he remarked: “We have to wait for the player, there’s no problem. We’re trying to get the players back as soon as possible.”
He added: “We’re still focused on giving the player confidence. Fabian hasn’t trained with the group yet. He’s made a lot of progress, and we’re happy because he seems to be on the right track, but he still needs to do a little more.” PSG, who will also be missing Bradley Barcola due to injury, enter the tie as favourites against Liverpool after defeating the Merseyside club on penalties in last season’s last-16 en route to their maiden Champions League triumph.
As the clubs prepare to face each other once more, the spotlight remains on Ruiz’s return to the pitch and the implications of his absence on the team’s dynamics. In high-stakes matches like these, every player counts — particularly those with a proven track record in crucial moments.
