PSG face midfield headache before Bayern showdown | OneFootball

Paris Saint-Germain could be forced into an untimely midfield reshuffle for their Club World Cup quarter-final against Bayern Munich, with Fabian Ruiz a doubt due to illness, according to FCBInside and RMC Sport.

Ruiz missed PSG training on Thursday, two days before the clash with Bayern, after being sidelined by a mild viral infection. The Spanish midfielder’s involvement remains uncertain, placing coach Luis Enrique in a precarious position with key selection decisions looming. Should Ruiz be ruled out, PSG’s established midfield trio with Vitinha and Neves would be broken up, requiring a rethink at the heart of the side.

The most likely scenario would see Warren Zaïre-Emery brought into the lineup, though he has not been a regular starter in recent matches. This comes at a delicate moment as PSG look to maintain momentum following a flawless group stage campaign and an emphatic 4-0 win over Inter Miami in the previous round.

Despite the potential setback, the defensive structure for the tournament is expected to remain unchanged, with Donnarumma in goal and a back four of Mendes, Pacho, Marquinhos, and Hakimi. In attack, the trio of Kvaratskhelia, Doué, and Barcola are tipped to continue, reflecting the continuity Luis Enrique values.

For Bayern, all indications point to Vincent Kompany fielding a full-strength side. The defensive line is set with Stanisic, Upamecano, Tah, and Laimer, backed by the midfield pairing of Kimmich and Goretzka. The attacking options feature Olise, Musiala, Coman, and Kane, with Musiala potentially making his first start of the tournament.

The match, a marquee fixture in the competition, will be staged at Atlanta’s Mercedes Benz Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for Saturday at 18:00 German time. Both clubs are competing for a place in the Club World Cup semi-finals.

A late decision is expected on Ruiz’s fitness, and any absence would force PSG into significant tactical adjustments just as Bayern prepare to test their preferred eleven.

(Source: FCBInside, RMC Sport)

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