TD4 Clutch: Master/Slave Cylinder Joint

Had the dreaded clutch to the floor moment yesterday after a couple of warnings last week with the pedal not returning. Bleeding and filling seems to have fixed it for now but it looks like the problem is the master cylinder. There’s evidence of a small leak in the cockpit. However I have a problem with the master to slave connector, I’ve found that the plastic ring that needs to be pushed in to release the joint has disintegrated and there’s nothing to push in. Any idea how to disconnect the pipes or a workaround? Thanks, Martin

it can be unscrewed at the other end of the connector,it would be easier on the bench to release the clips then