Fabian Ruiz could be sidelined as PSG nears full strength for the crucial Chelsea clash. Luis Enrique anticipates a nearly complete squad. Stamford Bridge.
Absent for nearly two months now, Fabian Ruiz has still not returned to collective training. The PSG midfielder is heading toward being ruled out for the Champions League round of 16 second leg against Chelsea.
PSG took advantage of this weekend off to best prepare for their Champions League round of 16 second leg against Chelsea. After their resounding victory at the Parc des Princes (5-2), the Parisian club will have to finish the job on Tuesday evening at Stamford Bridge. And for this match, Luis Enrique will be able to count on an almost complete squad.
Indeed, as reported by Le Parisien, the Rouge et Bleu took advantage of Saturday and Sunday's sessions to work tactically and maintain physical fitness.
PSG Uses Weekend Off to Fine-Tune Ahead of Chelsea Return Leg
"All signals are green on PSG's side, who will be able to approach this appointment with an almost complete squad. The staff is delighted to have almost its entire squad available before such an important deadline, while its players have not been spared by injuries since the start of the season."
However, Fabian Ruiz and Quentin Ndjantou should not make the trip. While the Titi is still recovering from his hamstring operation, the Spanish international is continuing his individual work and "will likely still be a little short to be part of this trip," Le Parisien explains. Injured in the knee since the defeat at Sporting CP on Jan. 20 (1-2), the 29-year-old midfielder has not appeared in competition since.
Substituted in the 69th minute against Chelsea on Wednesday, Ousmane Dembélé will be fit for this round of 16 second leg. Luis Enrique's starting lineup could be almost identical to the one fielded at the Parc des Princes, with one possible exception. A substitute at kickoff, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is again applying for a starting place after his thunderous entrance (two goals and an assist).
The Parisian delegation will head to London on Monday morning. After Luis Enrique and a player's news conference, a final training session is scheduled for Monday at 7 p.m. on the Stamford Bridge pitch.
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