Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz is reportedly causing frustration within the club after refusing to play through knee pain for Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg against Liverpool. According to French outlet L'Equipe, the Euro 2024 winner has been ruled out of the match, but club officials believe his knee is fit enough for him to feature.
The Spain international has not played since January 20, when he featured in a shock 2-1 defeat to Sporting CP. His injury was initially described as bruising on his left knee, but his absence of almost three months suggests it is more serious. Ruiz is said to be unwilling to train 'as long as he is in pain' and 'disengages from playing at the slightest pain'.
PSG manager Luis Enrique confirmed Ruiz's absence, stating: 'We have to wait for the player, there's no problem. We're trying to get the players back as soon as possible. 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.'
The news comes just hours before the crucial European clash at the Parc des Princes, with PSG also missing winger Bradley Barcola. Liverpool, meanwhile, have welcomed back striker Alexander Isak from a fractured leg. The Reds won 1-0 at the same venue in last season's Champions League knockout stage but lost on penalties at Anfield, with PSG going on to win the trophy.
PSG enter the match in fine form, having won their last four games, including an 8-2 aggregate victory over Chelsea in the round of 16. The second leg will take place at Anfield on April 14.
