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AMSTERDAM, Nov 2 (Reuters) – Ajax Amsterdam will have just 17 players for Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Midtjylland in Denmark after several players had to drop out due to positive COVID-19 tests, the Monday coach Erik Ten Hag. .
But he said he couldn’t communicate about individual instances because of privacy laws.
Captain Dusan Tadic, goalkeeper Andre Onana and midfielders Davy Klaassen and Ryan Gravenberch were among those left at home, while understudy goalkeepers Maarten Stekelenburg and Dominik Kotarski also did not travel, leaving the club with only one goalkeeper, Kjell Scherpen, for the match. .
The 20-year-old has to make his club debut.
Ajax published a list of 17 un commented players on their online page and Ten Hag avoided questions about those who were not traveling when asked at Monday’s pre-match press conference.
The coach said Ajax players had been evaluated on Monday and that the club had been in discussions the day with various governments about who could travel to Denmark.
He also said he hoped some of those remaining would be able to travel on Tuesday to sign up for the rest of the team as Ajax looked to claim their first Group D win.
“There are few players who can play in holland but have not been allowed into Denmark and it is a bit strange,” he said.
“They have no symptoms or complaints. If you can still play, rest in the hands of doctors and authorities. I hope they can play, but I’m not sure. “
“There are many other regulations among other countries, including within the European Union. The players we have here are smart players. Some will have to play outdoors in their position, but here we have compatibility and are able to play. “He added.
“I sense that COVID’s rules are strict, but we’ll also have to be grateful to be able to play. “
Dutch media reported that a total of 11 players had tested at the club, either in the ranks of the first team and the reserve team, competing in the Dutch division. (Information through Tothrough Sterling; Additional report via Mark Gleeson; Edited through David Goodman, Ken Ferris and Pritha Sarkar)
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