Erik ten Hag puzzled over confusing coronavirus rules | OneFootball

Ajax travelled to Denmark on Monday with only 17 players after a whopping 11 first-team players tested positive for coronavirus, though all are currently asymptomatic.

Most notably, 20-year-old Kjell Scherpen, who has yet to make a first-team appearance, is the only goalkeeper who made the flight to face Midtjylland.

In his pre-match press conference, manager Erik ten Hag seemed confused over the ruling but was satisfied enough to leave the end ruling to the health authorities.

“A few of them are allowed to play in the Netherlands, but not in Denmark. That’s a bit strange,” said Ten Hag.

“They have no symptoms or complaints. They might still be able to play but that rests in the hands of the medical personnel and the authorities.”

However, ten Hag is holding onto hope that some or all of the affected players will be able to travel to Denmark early Tuesday after their secondary tests were conducted late Monday night.

“I have strong hope that they can play but I am not sure,” added Ten Hag.

“They have not been allowed to enter Denmark, although they have played in the Netherlands and elsewhere.

“There are a whole lot of different rules between different countries, even within the European Union.

“The last decision was only taken this afternoon, just before we left for Denmark. Positive or not, I cannot say anything about that.

“The players we have here are good players. Some might have to play out of position but we are fit and ready to play.

“I understand the Covid rules are tough but we must also be thankful that we can play.”

Midtjylland are competing in the Champions League group stage for the first time and have lost their first two matches, thrashed 4-0 by Atalanta before a very competitive 2-0 defeat at Liverpool last week.