PSG Faces Mysterious Setback Before Champions League Clash with Liverpool
Paris Saint-Germain won the Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Liverpool 2-0. The result gives them a strong position for the return at Anfield next week.
Hours before kickoff, midfielder Fabian Ruiz was absent from the squad. The club officially cited knee problems.
The situation has been described as a mysterious setback inside the squad. The clash with Liverpool is now clouded by medical questions.
Ruiz’s absence and internal tensions
Journalist Loic Tanzi, reporting for Filmogaz.com, said club officials doubt the injury’s severity. Internal scans reportedly showed no concerning findings.
Officials believed Ruiz could have provided minutes in the Ligue 1 match against Toulouse last Friday. Ruiz, 29, joined PSG in June 2019.
The midfielder reportedly refused to train or play if he felt any pain. Club sources described growing internal frustration.
Injury background
The original injury was a knee contusion suffered on January 20 during the Champions League tie with Sporting Lisbon. It later became complicated by inflammation.
The problem has lingered for nearly three months. Ruiz had been a regular this season until the January issue.
Club response and context
Coach Luis Enrique sought to calm the situation publicly. He said the club would wait and try to return players quickly.
Ruiz played a central role in last season’s Champions League triumph. He made 61 competitive appearances during that campaign.
Winger Bradley Barcola also remains sidelined with injury. PSG must cope without both options as they prepare for the Anfield return.
Tie implications
PSG enter the tie as favorites despite uncertainty. Liverpool arrive in poor form after a 4-0 FA Cup loss to Manchester City.
The return leg at Anfield will decide the tie. The team now faces additional scrutiny over medical communication and player availability.
- Match: PSG 2-0 Liverpool (first leg)
- Player absent: Fabian Ruiz, 29
- Initial injury date: January 20, 2026
- Ruiz at PSG since: June 2019
- Last season appearances: 61 competitive matches
- Other injured player: Bradley Barcola
- Report date: April 8, 2026
This account follows reports made to Filmogaz.com and statements from club sources.
