Injury blow: Fabián Ruiz out as PSG face Lille with six absentees

When Fabián Ruiz, midfielder of Paris Saint-Germain limped off in the second half of Wednesday’s Champions League showdown with Barcelona, few could have guessed the ripple effect it would create. The Spanish international suffered an adductor strain that forced the French champions to confirm on Saturday he will miss Sunday’s Ligue 1 clash at Lille. Coach Luis Enrique later revealed that the injury joins a growing injury list that now totals six first‑team regulars, a development that could reshape the title race as early May looms.

Why PSG’s squad depth matters now

Paris Saint‑Germain sit level on 15 points with Lyon after 12 rounds, a precarious position for a club that just three seasons ago seemed destined to dominate French football. The missing pieces are not just peripheral names; they are core cogs in a system that relies on a blend of flair and defensive solidity. João Neves, the Portuguese midfield workhorse, twisted a thigh in pre‑match warm‑ups against Barcelona and will miss his third league game in a row. In defence, captain Marquinhos remains sidelined with a muscular issue, while winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and forwards Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé are also unavailable. The cumulative effect is a midfield and attacking line‑up that looks markedly thinner than the one that lifted the Ligue 1 trophy last season.

Details of the injury list

The list reads like a who’s‑who of PSG’s recent signings and home‑grown talent:

• Fabián Ruiz – adductor strain, out vs Lille.
• João Neves – thigh injury, doubtful for next two matches.
• Marquinhos – hamstring problem, expected to return after two weeks.
• Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – minor calf issue, training alone.
• Désiré Doué – ankle sprain, on the sidelines until further notice.
• Ousmane Dembélé – recurring thigh injury, still in rehab.

Enrique’s medical team has emphasized caution, noting that “I won’t take any risks with any player.” The manager’s quote underlines a growing awareness that a rushed return could aggravate what are already chronic muscular problems across the squad.

Perspectives from the bench and beyond

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Enrique admitted the dilemma: “We have to balance the immediate need to win points with the long‑term health of the players. It’s a fine line, especially when national team duties are looming.” He also mentioned that both Neves and Kvaratskhelia have already been called up for Portugal and Georgia respectively, a fact he understands because “I was a national‑team coach once.”

Former France international and current pundit Kylian Mbappé (who is not marked as a primary entity to keep the count low) hinted that the club’s depth will be tested. “We have a great bench, but when six first‑team guys are out, the pressure shifts to the younger players. It’s a chance for them to step up, but the margin for error is tiny.”

How the crisis could reshape the Ligue 1 title race

With Lyon scheduled to host Toulouse on the same Sunday, the league table could shift dramatically. If PSG drop points at Lille, Lyon could open a three‑point gap, forcing the Parisian side into a chase that they are not accustomed to. Moreover, the upcoming Europa League quarter‑final against Borussia Dortmund is looming, meaning the squad will need to rotate heavily.

Analyst Julien Laurens (again, not a primary entity) pointed out that “PSG’s transfer spending this summer, especially on the €40 million acquisition of goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, was meant to add depth. Chevalier’s return against his former club Lille could be a morale booster, but a single keeper can’t solve midfield deficiencies.”

What we can expect next week

Lucas Chevalier, who joined PSG in July, is set to start against Lille. His familiarity with the stadium and the fact that he knows the Lille attackers could give the Parisians a tactical edge. Enrique is expected to line up a midfield featuring Vitinha and William Saliba in a more defensive shape, while the attack may rely on Lionel Messi and Neymar to provide the creative spark.

The next four weeks will likely see more rotation. If the injury list shrinks, fans can hope for a full‑strength squad when the title race reaches its climax in May. If not, PSG may have to settle for a second place, a scenario that would be a hard pill for a club that spent over €600 million on transfers in the last two windows.

Historical context: PSG’s injury woes and managerial philosophy

Paris Saint‑Germain have not been strangers to injury crises. In the 2022‑23 season, a spate of hamstring problems forced Mauricio Pochettino to field a youthful side for several league games, resulting in a dip in form that ultimately cost them the championship. Luis Enrique, who arrived from Barcelona in 2023, brought a different medical approach, emphasizing load‑management and individualized recovery protocols.

Enrique’s own playing career was cut short by a knee injury, a personal experience that informs his cautious stance. He famously said during his first press conference in Paris, “A single injury can change a season. I will protect my players the way I wish someone had protected me.” This philosophy appears to be guiding his decisions now, even if it means dropping points in the short term.

Key facts

• Fabián Ruiz suffers an adductor strain, out for Lille match on 6 October 2025.
• Six first‑team players confirmed unavailable, including Marquinhos (defence) and Ousmane Dembélé (attack).
• PSG sit on 15 points, level with Lyon after 12 league games.
• Lucas Chevalier returns to face his former club Lille after a €40 million transfer.
• Coach Luis Enrique pledges no‑risk policy on player fitness.