Almost three months since Fabian Ruiz was last seen on the pitch. It was last January 20 against Sporting CP in the Champions League. Almost another era, when PSG was not yet able to control a meeting over its duration. Since then, gloves, hats and long sleeves have been swapped for t-shirts and sunglasses. Fabian Ruiz remained in the winter, still absent, and his return is not expected immediately. “As long as he is in pain, he will not come back”, already confided those around him at the beginning of March. The situation has not changed much since.
The Spanish midfielder is still suffering from knee pain, even though the latest tests show nothing. However, according to A.S. his crack in his left kneecap isn’t healed enough for high-intensity training. There was talk of his return against Toulouse at the beginning of April before postponing the deadline once again. “It’s getting better. It’s good news to know that he’s coming back, but we still have to wait», specified Luis Enrique. A few hours later, the club confirmed its coach’s words. “Fabian Ruiz continues his individual work.» A simple contusion was noticed at first glance.
A situation still unclear
As a result, the 30-year-old left-hander had to forfeit again during the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Liverpool and it is difficult today to announce a new return date, while he is still absent from the group published this Monday. The situation remains unclear, a source of mystery and speculation of all kinds. At the start of his convalescence, an operation was considered before favoring a conservative treatment, longer, but which should allow him to return for the last weeks of the season with two important deadlines: the Champions League with PSG, and his place in the Spain list for the World Cup.
Absent in 2022 (Luis Enrique was then the coach of La Roja), before shining brightly at Euro 2024, the former Neapolitan is betting big for what could be the only World Cup of his career (41 caps, 6 goals). Some people at the club even suspect him of preserving himself for the competition, which the Spanish press denies. He would rather be impatient to rediscover the thrill of competition, he who must view the great performances of Warren Zaire-Emery with a concerned eye. He would never put his personal interests and those of the selection before those of his employer.
What about its extension?
“Fabian has been absent for a whilereacted Vitinha during the press conference before the first leg against Liverpool. We want all players to be available. Even more so a player who played all the time last year.» After an exceptional exercise in all respects (61 matches, 8 goals and 11 assists), Ruiz still had his say this season, before his injury (24 matches in all competitions, 2 goals and 3 assists). Enough to convince each party to agree on a two-year extension, he who is under contract until 2027. However, since the injury, it has also been radio silence on that side.
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