Dutch champions Ajax have become the latest club to be hit hard by the coronavirus after 11 players tested positive for the virus ahead of their Champions League tie against FC Midtjylland, according to Dutch reports.
The names of the players involved have been kept hidden by the club and it is unclear if Wednesday’s meeting will go ahead.
Ajax are third in Champions League Group D, earning only one point having played two matches. They are also five points adrift of leaders Liverpool and three behind Atalanta who is in second place.
The Dutch champions have also named a reduced 17-man squad for the trip to Denmark.
Ajax players were tested on Monday, and through the day, the club had been in discussion with various authorities about who could travel to Denmark.
The manager of the side, Erik ten Hag, spoke with hope about some of those left behind and wishes they might be allowed to travel on Tuesday to join up with the rest of the squad.
“There are few players who can play in the Netherlands but did not get permission to enter Denmark and its a bit strange,” he says.
“They have no symptoms or complaints. If they might still be able 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.”
Ajax’s match against FC Midtjylland is not the only game affected, as current Champions League holders Bayern Munich had confirmed that defender Niklas Suele tested positive for coronavirus and is currently self-isolating on the eve of their Champions League match at Red Bull Salzburg.
Ajax’s 17-man squad to face FC Midtjylland
Scherpen, Schuurs, Mazraoui, Blind, Martinez, Tagliafico, Klaiber, Timber, Alvarez, Ekkelenkamp, Neres, Antony, Promes, Traore, Huntelaar, Brobbey, Jensen.
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