In a significant development ahead of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is set to face Liverpool without midfielder Fabian Ruiz. Reports indicate that Ruiz is refusing to play due to ongoing knee discomfort, which has frustrated club officials.
Ruiz’s Refusal to Play
The conflict arises as PSG prepares for the opening leg against Liverpool on April 8, 2026. Despite being a Euro 2024 champion, Ruiz has declared he will not participate due to pain in his left knee. Club officials remain skeptical, believing he is physically capable of playing.
The situation has escalated tensions within the squad, with L’Equipe citing Ruiz’s stance on not training or playing if experiencing pain. His last appearance for PSG dates back to January 20, 2026, when the team faced a surprising defeat against Sporting CP.
Absentees Impacting Team Dynamics
- Fabian Ruiz: Key midfielder absent due to knee issues.
- Bradley Barcola: Another notable absence; the winger has scored 12 goals this season.
This clash will also see Barcelona’s Barcola miss out, leaving a gap in PSG’s offensive lineup. Luis Enrique, the PSG coach, expressed hope for Ruiz’s return in the second leg at Anfield. Enrique emphasized the importance of player confidence and noted that Ruiz had not yet trained with the team.
Liverpool’s Readiness
On the other side, Liverpool welcomes back Alexander Isak after he recovered from a fractured leg. The Premier League record signing has been sidelined since December but is back just in time for this crucial encounter.
The match is pivotal for both teams, with Liverpool aiming to capitalize on their recent string of victories. PSG, meanwhile, has had an impressive run, most notably defeating Chelsea 8-2 in the round of 16.
Looking Ahead
As PSG prepares for this critical clash without Ruiz and Barcola, the focus remains on ensuring the players’ recovery and performance. Will the absence of key players disrupt their plans, or will Liverpool seize the moment? Fans eagerly await the outcome.
