Ajax hit by Covid-19 outbreak on eve of Champions League tie
Ajax Amsterdam could have only 17 players designed for Tuesday's Champions League clash against Midtjylland in Denmark after several players had to be left behind because of positive COVID-19 tests, coach Erik ten Hag confirmed on Monday.
But he said he cannot discuss individual cases due to privacy laws.
Skipper Dusan Tadic, goalkeeper Andre Onana and midfielders Davy Klaassen and Ryan Gravenberch were among those who stayed in the home while back-up goalkeepers Maarten Stekelenburg and Dominik Kotarski also didn't travel, leaving the club with just one single goalkeeper, Kjell Scherpen, for the match at Herning.
The 20-year-old has yet to debut for the club.
Ajax published a list of the 17 players without touch upon their website and Ten Hag avoided questions about those who didn't travel when questioned at Monday's pre-match news conference.
The coach said Ajax players were tested on Monday and the club have been in discussion during the day with various authorities about who could travel to Denmark.
He also said he was hopeful some of those left behind could possibly be permitted to travel on Tuesday to become listed on up with all of those other squad as Ajax look for their first win in Group D.
"There are few players who can play in holland but did not get permission to enter Denmark and it's really somewhat strange," he said.
"They haven't any symptoms or complaints. If they might still be in a position to play rests in the hands of the medical personnel and the authorities. I have strong hope that they can play but I am not sure.
"There is a good deal of different rules between different countries, even within the European Union. The players we have here are good players. Some may need to play out of position but we here are fit and ready to play," he added.
"I am aware the COVID rules are tough but we should also be thankful that we can play."
Dutch media said that a total of 11 players had tested positive at the club - from both ranks of the first team in addition to the reserve squad, who compete in the Dutch second division.
