When Fabián Ruiz, midfielder of Paris Saint-Germain was forced off in the second half of Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Barcelona, no one imagined his adductor issue would sideline him for the upcoming Ligue 1 visit to Lille. The Spain international’s injury was confirmed on Saturday, meaning PSG will head into the Sunday showdown missing six first‑team regulars – a situation that has fans and pundits alike scrambling for answers.
- Injured players: Fabián Ruiz, João Neves, Marquinhos, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé.
- Current Ligue 1 standing: PSG level on 15 points with Lyon.
- Next match: PSG vs LilleLille on Sunday.
- Recent transfer: Goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier arrived for €40 million.
Growing injury list and its origins
The cascade began on September 11, when PSG’s Champions League tie with BarcelonaBarcelona turned into a medical nightmare. Not only did Ruiz limp off with a strained adductor, but João Neves twisted his thigh during pre‑match warm‑ups and was forced to miss his third straight league game. Both incidents were followed by a spate of ailments across the squad, from Marquinhos’ lingering muscle fatigue to Kvaratskhelia’s recurring hamstring strain.
Coach Luis Enrique, head coach of Paris Saint-Germain has made it clear he will not gamble with players’ health. "I won't take any risks with any player," he told reporters on Saturday, emphasizing a cautious rehabilitation schedule that could keep some stars out for weeks.
Match against Lille: stakes and lineup
Sunday’s Ligue 1 clash at Lille is more than a routine fixture. With the league title hanging in the balance, every point matters. PSG sit level on 15 points with Lyon, while Lille, sitting third, will be eager to close the gap.
The depleted roster forces manager Enrique to dig deep into his fringe squad. Young midfielder Pablo Sarabia, who has spent most of the season on the bench, is expected to start alongside veteran defender Thilo Kehrer. Up front, the club may lean on the recently signed Lucas Chevalier, goalkeeper – who will face his former side Lille in his first competitive appearance for PSG.
Statistically, PSG have conceded only 12 goals in 12 league games this season, but the absence of Marquinhos and Dembélé could blunt both defensive solidity and attacking fluency. Analysts at Opta note that PSG’s expected goals (xG) dropped from 2.1 per game with a full squad to 1.4 in matches where any of the six absent players featured.
Coach Luis Enrique's approach
Enrique’s management of the crisis mirrors his days as a player‑turned‑coach in Spain, where he famously protected his squad during injury‑laden campaigns. "I understand the national team coaches, because I was one," he said when asked about Kvaratskhelia’s call‑up for Georgia. The coach’s empathy underscores a delicate balancing act: keeping club priorities while respecting international duties.
In a press conference, Enrique outlined a three‑pronged plan: first, accelerate rehabilitation with individualized physio programs; second, rotate the squad to minimize fatigue; third, give promising academy graduates minutes to build confidence. "We have depth, we just need to trust it," he added, hinting at a possible debut for 19‑year‑old forward Rayan Cherki.
Implications for the title race
If PSG drop points against Lille, Lyon could seize a decisive advantage. Lyon currently sit one point ahead with a game in hand, and their upcoming match against Toulouse offers a chance to widen the gap. A draw or loss for PSG would also revive talks of a possible Ligue 1 shake‑up, with Marseille and Monaco lurking just five points behind.
Beyond the league, the injury list throws a wrench into PSG’s Champions League ambitions. With the quarter‑finals looming, the club’s depth will be tested against European heavyweights. A sustained absence of players like Ruiz and Neves could limit tactical flexibility, especially in high‑press situations.
Looking ahead: next fixtures and recovery
After Lille, PSG face a daunting itinerary: a trip to Marseille on October 20, followed by a Cup de France semi‑final against Nice. The club’s medical team hopes to have Marquinhos back by early November, while Ruiz’s prognosis suggests a minimum four‑week layoff.
Transfer rumors have already swirled, with reports of a potential January loan for João Neves to gain match fitness. Meanwhile, the club’s hierarchy, led by President Nasser Al‑Khelaifi, is reportedly reviewing the squad’s medical protocols to avoid a repeat of this crisis.
For fans, the weekend will be a test of patience. The injury crisis has turned what could have been a straightforward three‑point haul into a high‑stakes gamble. Whether PSG can rally with a patched‑up XI will shape the narrative of the 2025‑26 Ligue 1 season.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the injury crisis affect PSG's title hopes?
Losing six regular starters reduces PSG’s chances of securing maximum points against Lille, potentially allowing Lyon to pull ahead. The reduced squad depth also limits tactical options for upcoming matches, making it harder to maintain a consistent winning streak in a tight title race.
Which players will miss the Lille game?
The absentee list includes midfielder Fabián Ruiz, fellow midfielder João Neves, captain Marquinhos, winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, forward Désiré Doué, and forward Ousmane Dembélé. All six have been ruled out by the club’s medical staff for Sunday’s fixture.
When and where is the PSG vs Lille match?
The Ligue 1 encounter is scheduled for Sunday, 6 October 2025, at the Stade Pierre‑Méjan in Lille. It is the 15th round of the French top‑flight season.
What impact does Lucas Chevalier have for PSG?
Chevalier, who joined PSG for €40 million last summer, will start against his former club Lille. His familiarity with the venue could help the defense stay organized, but his lack of first‑team minutes this season means he’s still finding rhythm with the back line.
What’s the outlook for the injured players?
Medical reports suggest Ruiz will be sidelined for at least four weeks, while Neves may need a similar recovery period. Marquinhos is expected to return before the end of November, and Dembélé’s hamstring is on a two‑week timeline, pending a fitness test.
Dina DiCicco
October 6, 2025 AT 00:54The injury debacle reveals PSG’s fragile veneer, a lamentable tableau of over‑inflated egos 😑.
Kasey DellaPenna
October 15, 2025 AT 06:46We gotta rally the squad yeah the bench can step up and prove they belong
Gayleen Lowrie
October 24, 2025 AT 13:00It’s clear the medical staff is doing everything possible, and the coaching team must adapt quickly. The players left out will need diligent rehab to avoid long‑term setbacks. Trusting the fringe squad can actually foster resilience across the roster. A balanced approach to rotation will keep fatigue at bay while preserving competitive edge. Maintaining morale during this crunch is as vital as any tactical tweak.