Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly grown “unhappy” with midfielder Fabián Ruiz, amid claims he has declined to play through discomfort from a knee issue.
The reigning Champions League holders confirmed on Tuesday that Ruiz will miss their quarter-final first-leg clash against Liverpool FC.
The club also stated that the midfielder will continue an individual training programme as he works his way back to full fitness.
Ruiz has been out of action since January, although his injury was initially described by PSG as a “bruise on his left knee.”
Reports from L’Équipe journalist Loïc Tanzi suggest PSG officials are frustrated, believing the player’s knee is now “completely fine” and that he could have featured in their Ligue 1 match against Toulouse last Friday.
However, Ruiz is said to maintain that he will not train or play while still experiencing any knee pain.
“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,” Tanzi said. “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.”
The 30-year-old was a key figure in PSG’s treble-winning campaign last season, making 61 appearances, and has featured 24 times this term before his latest absence for both club and country since January.
PSG head coach Luis Enrique defended the midfielder, dismissing suggestions of internal frustration and stressing the importance of rebuilding his confidence.
“We have to wait for the player, there’s no problem. We’re trying to get the players back as soon as possible,” he said. “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 will also be without Bradley Barcola for the tie, though they remain favourites against Liverpool.
The French side knocked Liverpool out on penalties in the last 16 last season on their way to winning their first Champions League title, while the Reds arrive after a heavy FA Cup defeat to Manchester City and under pressure in their domestic campaign.
