PSG deny rift in squad as Champions League winner 'refuses to play' just hours before key Liverpool clash

Ed Griffiths
Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:15:43 +0000

Paris Saint-Germain have denied claims that they are frustrated with Spanish midfielder Fabian Ruiz, who has reportedly declined to continue playing due to discomfort from a knee injury.

The reigning Champions League winners announced on Tuesday that the 30-year-old will be unavailable for their quarter-final first leg clash with Liverpool.

According to reports, the situation has created tension at the French club, with Ruiz maintaining he will not take to the pitch or participate in training sessions if he feels any pain in his knee.

The midfielder will instead follow an individual programme as he continues his recovery towards match fitness.

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Ruiz has been out of action since January.

The injury was originally considered a relatively minor issue, having been characterised as a bruise to his left knee.

However, L'Equipe journalist Loic Tanzi has reported that the midfielder's ongoing absence has started to generate frustration among club officials.

According to Tanzi, those within PSG believe Ruiz's knee is now "completely fine" and that he could have been available for their Ligue 1 fixture against Toulouse at the weekend.

The Spanish international has made 24 appearances this term but has not featured for either club or country since the start of the year.

Tanzi elaborated on the player's position, saying: "There is one certainty, it's what he says and that he repeats that as long as he is in pain and suffering, he doesn't want to play."

The reporter added: "So much that he is in pain and suffering, he doesn't want to play. At the slightest pain, he doesn't want to train."

Ruiz's absence is particularly notable given his significance to the squad, having accumulated 61 appearances during PSG's historic Treble-winning season last year.

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The midfielder was instrumental throughout that campaign as the Parisian club secured domestic and European glory.

Despite the reported tensions, PSG manager Luis Enrique has attempted to play down suggestions of any rift with the midfielder.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference, the Spanish coach said: "We have to wait for the player, there's no problem.

"We're trying to get the players back as soon as possible."

He added: "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."

PSG, who also face the absence of Bradley Barcola through injury, enter the tie as favourites against Liverpool.

They defeated the Merseyside club on penalties in last season's last-16 en route to their maiden Champions League triumph.