Liverpool return to Champions League action this evening against holders Paris Saint‑Germain, who are reportedly unhappy with one of their players ahead of the clash
Fabian Ruiz
Fabian Ruiz will miss the Champions League clash with Liverpool
View Image
Paris Saint‑Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz is reportedly refusing to play through pain ahead of their Champions League quarter-final clash with Liverpool. The French champions are said to be unhappy with the Spaniard, who confirmed he would miss this evening's clash at the Parc des Princes.
The club also stated that Ruiz will continue to follow an individual training programme as he works back to full fitness. The 30‑year‑old has been sidelined since January, with the issue initially described as a minor bruise on his left knee.
French outlet L'Equipe have reported that Ruiz's fitness situation has caused frustration within the club, with medical staff believing he is 'completing fine' and could have featured against Toulouse in Ligue 1 last weekend.
Meanwhile, PSG boss Luis Enrique has dismissed claims the club are unhappy with Ruiz, saying in Tuesday's press conference: "We have to wait for the player, there's no problem.
"We’re trying to get the players back as soon as possible. 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."
The Spain international is understood to have made it clear he will 'not train or play' if he continues to feel pain in his knee, meaning he will miss the first leg against the Reds in Paris. Whether he will be fully recovered for the return leg at Anfield next week, remains uncertain at this stage.
PSG are already without Bradley Barcola and 18‑year‑old forward Quentin Ndjantou.
Barcola limped off before the hour mark in their last‑16 match at Chelsea and, despite reports he has returned to training, Enrique has since said: "It's up to him to say when he's ready.
"He's lacking a little bit of confidence, and we're looking for the best conditions for the players."
Arne Slot's side beat PSG 1-0 away from home last season, only to lose the return game and bow out on penalties.
Ahead of tonight, three Liverpool players are at risk of a Champions League suspension as the Reds look to take a step closer to the semi‑finals this evening.
Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch were both booked in the last‑16 tie against Galatasaray, while Curtis Jones has already collected two yellow cards in the competition.
It means the trio would miss the second leg of the quarter‑final should they receive another caution in Paris.
Having slipped down the Premier League table and suffered a 4-0 FA Cup quarter‑final defeat to Manchester City last weekend, Liverpool's only remaining route to silverware is the Champions League.