Fabián Ruiz out as PSG faces Lille with six key injuries

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.