Paris Saint-Germain decision-makers are said to be unhappy with Fabian Ruiz, amid reports he is refusing to play in Wednesday’s game against Liverpool. Two of Europe’s heavyweights are set to clash in the first leg of the quarter-finals in Paris.
Euro 2024 winner Luiz is battling discomfort in his knee ahead of the crucial match. But it’s not enough to convince bosses at the Parc des Princes that he can’t play through the pain to feature in the French capital. L’Equipe reports that Lewis’ knee problems are starting to cause dissatisfaction within the camp.
It is claimed that club officials believe the player’s knee is fully repairable, even though the Spanish midfielder clearly isn’t.
PSG have already confirmed that Luiz will not play in the first leg and is not part of the squad. Manager Luis Enrique will be hoping to bring in such an important figure for his return match at Anfield instead.
L’Equipe reports that Lewis’ stance is that he will not train “as long as there is pain and suffering”. He was accused of refusing to play “if there was any pain,” and that continues to be the case.
Luiz’s last appearance for PSG was on January 20, when he played in a surprising 2-1 defeat against Sporting CP. His injury was initially described as a bruised left knee, but being sidelined for nearly three months suggests the problem is much more serious.
The defending European champions go into Wednesday’s quarter-final first leg in great form, having won each of their last four matches. This includes back-to-back wins against fellow Premier League powerhouse Chelsea, whom they defeated 8-2 on aggregate in the round of 16.
“We have to wait for the players, but there is no problem. We are trying to get the players back as soon as possible,” Enrique said of Luiz’s condition ahead of the team’s last-eight debut.
“We are still focused on giving the player confidence. Fabian has not yet trained with the group. I am happy that he has made great progress and seems to be on the right track, but he still needs to work a little more.”
Another notable absentee from Wednesday’s host team is winger Bradley Barcola. The 23-year-old has scored 12 goals this season and found the back of the net with both feet during Chelsea’s collapse.
