PSG drama before Liverpool game as star 'completely fine' but refusing to play

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PSG is facing some internal drama before taking on Liverpool in the Champions League with one key man supposedly "completely fine" but refusing to play at the Parc des Princes

PSG midfielder Fabian Ruiz in training ahead of the Champions League clash with Newcastle.(Image: FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images)

PSG is said to be "unhappy" with its midfielder, Fabian Ruiz, ahead of taking on Liverpool in the Champions League, with suggestions emerging that he is refusing to play.

According to reports in France, Ruiz is unwilling to play through the pain of an injury. However, his club supposedly believes that he could feature if he forced himself.

The Ligue 1 leader had already confirmed that Ruiz will sit out the Liverpool game because of a problem with his knee, and he is continuing to train individually. Ruiz has been sidelined for several weeks with an injury that was initially described by PSG as a "bruise."

And according to L'Equipe, PSG officials are becoming frustrated with Ruiz not wanting to come back into the fold quickly enough. The player is insistent that he can't play through the injury, but club officials believe it's "completely fine," according to the outlet.

Ruiz has been a crucial player for PSG, often lining up alongside Vitinha in the middle of the pitch. He played a total of 61 times in the club's treble-winning campaign last term.

So far this season, the Spaniard has played 24 times but hasn't been seen since January for either club or country.

Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique(Image: (FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images))

"We have to wait for the player, there’s no problem," Luis Enrique said during a pre-match press conference.

"We’re trying to get the players back as soon as possible. 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 against Liverpool. The French forward has returned to training but won't be involved; he could be in contention for the return leg next week at Anfield.

"It doesn't matter who the favorites are, because in this type of match, it's impossible to have a favorite," Enrique said when pressed on who he views as most likely to progress.

"I don't believe we are [favorites]. Last year, everyone said it was Liverpool and we qualified. The first leg last season was a very, very high-level match. I would sign up for the same match but not for the same result.

"We hope to have more of the ball than Liverpool, but we know how difficult it is, because they are a very good team with a very good coach. We are used to playing against English teams, so in that sense it will be no different from last year."