A PSG star will miss the Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool amid claims he is refusing to play and causing frustration at the club
18:29, 08 Apr 2026Updated 18:31, 08 Apr 2026
Luis Enrique’s team selection has been thrown into chaos(Image: Eddie Keogh – UEFA, UEFA via Getty Images)
Officials at Paris Saint-Germain are said to be frustrated with Fabian Ruiz following reports the Spanish midfielder is refusing to take on Liverpool on Wednesday. The two European powerhouses are set to meet in the opening leg of their quarter-final encounter in Paris.
Euro 2024 champion Ruiz is battling knee discomfort before the crucial tie and will be absent from the match. Nevertheless, this hasn’t persuaded his superiors at the Parc des Princes that he couldn’t push through the discomfort to feature in the French capital.
L’Equipe revealed that Ruiz’s knee problem is starting to create tension within the squad. It’s claimed club officials believe the player’s knee is suitable for action, despite the Spain midfielder clearly holding a different view.
Fabian Ruiz and Bradley Barcola will miss the Liverpool clash(Image: Xavier Laine, Getty Images)
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PSG have already announced Ruiz will be excluded from their squad for the first leg, though they apparently wished to include him. Luis Enrique will be hoping to have such a crucial player available for the second leg at Anfield instead.
L’Equipe’s coverage highlighted Ruiz’s stance that he has no intention of training ‘as long as he is in pain and suffering’ and ‘withdraws from playing at the slightest pain,’ which is said to be continuing. While the midfielder will take no part, the revelations surfacing just hours before the vital clash with Liverpool will undoubtedly disturb the camp.
Ruiz’s most recent outing for PSG dates back to January 20, when he played in the surprising 2-1 loss to Sporting CP. His problem was originally labelled as bruising to his left knee, although a lay-off of nearly three months suggests the issue is considerably more serious.
The current European champions head into Wednesday’s quarter-final first leg in excellent form, having secured victory in their previous four matches. This run includes consecutive triumphs over another Premier League giant, having demolished Chelsea 8-2 across both legs in the round of 16.
Discussing Ruiz’s predicament before his team’s last-eight clash, Enrique remarked: “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 other significant absentee for Wednesday’s home side is winger Bradley Barcola. The 23 year old has found the net 12 times this campaign and scored in both legs during the thrashing of Chelsea.
As for Liverpool, Arne Slot has welcomed Alexander Isak back into his squad following his recovery from a fractured leg. The record Premier League signing hasn’t featured since December and returns to Liverpool’s ranks just in time for a crucial clash.
