Sporting CP lose hitman Pedro Gonçalves for clash with Ajax | OneFootball

Ajax have received a boost ahead of their Champions League group stage opener against Sporting CP on Wednesday.

Sporting’s star striker Pedro Gonçalves withdrew from the Portugal squad through injury during the international break, leading him to miss Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Porto.

Leões manager Rúben Amorim expects the 23-year-old to be sidelined for another week, meaning he will miss the visit of the Eredivisie champions.

His absence is a huge blow for the Portuguese side, as it was 23 goals from Gonçalves that drove the Lisbon side to their first domestic title in 19 years last season.

Amorim will also have to plan without the services of captain Sebastián Coates, with the Uruguay international having to serve a European suspension.

As for Ajax, midfielder Davy Klaassen and goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg sat out their 2-0 win over PEC Zwolle.

Manager Erik ten Hag is hopeful the pair will be available for continental action in midweek.