Fabian Ruiz Won’t Play vs Liverpool Despite Medical Clearance, PSG Frustrated
Fabian Ruiz has opted out of Paris Saint-Germain’s upcoming Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool—even though medical scans show his knee injury has healed. The Spanish midfielder hasn’t played since mid-January and missed Saturday’s Ligue 1 match against Toulouse despite being cleared to return. Now, he’s also absent from the squad for the high-stakes European clash at Parc des Princes, sparking internal frustration at PSG.
Why Ruiz Isn’t Playing—Despite Being Medically Fit
According to journalist Loic Tanzi on _L’Equipe de Greg_, Ruiz insists he won’t play “as long as he is in pain.” The issue isn’t structural—the scans are clean—but subjective: the player himself doesn’t feel ready, even to train with the group. “At the slightest hint of pain, he does not even want to train,” Tanzi explained. This stance has created tension behind the scenes, with club officials reportedly “not happy” about the situation, especially given the magnitude of the Liverpool tie.
Manager Luis Enrique has publicly downplayed any conflict, saying, “We have to wait for the player, there’s no problem,” and emphasizing that Ruiz “seems to be on the right track.” But the gap between the club’s urgency and the player’s caution is evident. Ruiz was a vital piece in PSG’s Champions League-winning midfield last season, partnering Joao Neves and Vitinha in a dominant trio. His absence now leaves a noticeable void—though PSG did dismantle Chelsea recently without him.
What This Means for the Liverpool Clash
Ruiz’s unavailability could reshape PSG’s approach against Liverpool:
- Midfield balance shifts: Without Ruiz’s passing range and defensive coverage, Vitinha may need to drop deeper, reducing attacking fluidity.
- Tactical flexibility reduced: Enrique loses a player who can dictate tempo and press intelligently in transition.
- Psychological factor: Internal friction—even if minor—could distract from focus ahead of a critical European night.
Still, some believe PSG won’t miss him much. Former France international Christophe Dugarry called Liverpool “disastrous” and predicted a “massacre” in Paris. “The difference in level is colossal,” he claimed on _RMC Sport_. While that’s likely hyperbolic, it reflects confidence in PSG’s depth—even without Ruiz.
Key Takeaways
- Fabian Ruiz is medically cleared but refusing to play due to lingering discomfort.
- PSG insiders are frustrated; Luis Enrique remains publicly supportive.
- Ruiz was instrumental in last season’s Champions League triumph but hasn’t trained with the squad yet.
- His absence alters midfield dynamics but may not cripple PSG’s chances.
- Liverpool face a motivated, deep squad—but one missing a key creative engine.
While Ruiz’s caution is understandable after a months-long layoff, timing matters. Champions League quarter-finals don’t come often, and sitting out against Liverpool—especially when fit by medical standards— raises questions about commitment and readiness. For now, PSG must adapt. Whether that weakens them enough for Liverpool to exploit remains to be seen.
— Editorial Team
