Ajax handed defensive blow ahead of top four hunt | OneFootball

Ajax manager John van’t Schip has confirmed defender Josip Šutalo remains touch and go for the upcoming clash against NEC on Sunday.

The 23-year-old centre-back missed the club’s last two matches after picking up an injury with Croatia.

“The coming days will show whether he is fit enough for Sunday,” said Van’t Schip, who then went on to applaud his replacement.

“[Devyne] Rensch showed, just like in the match against Vitesse, that he is very good at the center-back.

“Together with Jorrel [Hato], he brings football into our game. It is hoped that he can further develop himself in this regard and stay fit .”

After a tumultuous start to the season, Ajax now sit eighth in the table with their eyes on the top four.

For Van’t Schip, their shocking Europa League exit yesterday at the hands of Marseille must be put behind them ahead of their Eredivisie rebuild.

“I look back on a team that was very good in the match. We came back from behind several times, so the resilience and fighting spirit were there,” said the manager.

“We also played good football. Even when we were down to ten men, we came back to 3-3. That shows that the spirit was very good, but it is a pity that we still had to score a goal in the last minutes of the match. conceded a goal.

“The team has not played much at European level yet. When you see how they are doing and that they are showing character, that is certainly something I look back on with a good feeling.

“I want to see the same spirit next Sunday, but get three points.”

A win on Sunday could see Ajax move to sixth in the league table.