Luis Enrique offered updates on Bradley Barcola and Fabian Ruiz's fitness ahead of matches against Toulouse and Liverpool.
Present at a news conference on Thursday, on the eve of PSG-Toulouse, Luis Enrique provided updates on Fabian Ruiz and Bradley Barcola, neither of whom will play Friday evening at the Parc des Princes.
Finally close to returning after more than two months out, Fabian Ruiz will not be involved in Friday evening's PSG-Toulouse match in the opening fixture of Ligue 1's Matchday 28. Injured in his left knee against Sporting CP on Jan. 20, the Spanish midfielder is feeling much better but will still be too short against Toulouse, as Luis Enrique announced Thursday.
For Fabian Ruiz, 'We Still Have to Wait'
"We have to see tonight's training session to know which players will be ready for tomorrow," the Spanish PSG manager said at the news conference. "In Fabian's case, he is improving; he is much better, but I think there is still a small doubt. It is normal to have moments during the season with this type of injury because it is not easy to manage the workload of minutes, matches, and travel. In this specific case, it is good news to know that he is on his way back, but we still have to wait."
PSG will train on Thursday, and it remains to be seen whether Fabian Ruiz participates in the group session. Seeing him alongside his teammates would be a positive signal ahead of the two Champions League matches against Liverpool -- the first in six days at the Parc des Princes (April 8) and the second in 12 days at Anfield (April 14).
Barcola Back at Anfield? 'I Don't Know,' Says Luis Enrique
Luis Enrique confirmed Thursday that no international players returned from the break injured, which is good news. The Spaniard also provided an update on Bradley Barcola, who suffered a severe right ankle sprain on March 18 against Chelsea and was expected to miss between three and four weeks -- meaning until April 8 in the best case and until April 15 in the worst.
"Will he be there for the second leg against Liverpool? I don't know," Luis Enrique said Thursday. "I can't give you information. I know you can't ask Bradley Barcola the question, but when I talk to him, I ask him how he feels. But nothing specific, there is no rush. The most important thing for us is that he makes a good recovery. After that, when will he be ready? I don't know, we have to wait and see his progress."
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