Liverpool and PSG will meet again in the Champions League knockout stages, but the European champions could be without Fabian Ruiz.
The Spaniard was a key player for Luis Enrique’s treble-winners last season, announcing himself as one of the best midfielders in Europe across 54 appearances.
However, Ruiz has not played since January having picked up a knee injury. And as Liverpool celebrated booking a trip to Paris in April, an update emerged on whether or not he will be available to face the Reds.
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Photo Credit: Getty Images/Carl Recine
Ruiz set to return after the international break
Ruiz excelled against Liverpool last season, pulling the strings alongside Vitinha and Joao Neves in an exceptional PSG midfield.
Things have not gone to plan for him this season, though, and he has played only 23 times since the summer’s Club World Cup.
According to French journalist Fabrice Hawkins, though, Ruiz is likely to make his return immediately after the March international break.
Fabian Ruiz pictured on the ball during PSG's Ligue 1 match against Paris FC at Parc des Princes
Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
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“With a knee injury, Fabian Ruiz must resume collective training with PSG after the international break,” Hawkins says on X.
“If all goes well, he will return to Luis Enrique’s squad right after. PSG will face Liverpool the week of April 6 for the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals.”
With the first leg date now set for April 8th, Ruiz, like Alexander Isak for Liverpool, is facing a race against time to be fit.
PSG, of course, have quality options to replace Ruiz should he not be passed fit in time, with former Reds target Warren Zaire-Emery taking over duties since the 29-year-old’s injury.
Whoever Liverpool face next month, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai had better be on their game.
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