Ajax suffer ‘disappointing’ injury set-back as two miss Aston Villa Europa Conference League tie……

Ajax will still be without Steven Berghuis for tonight’s Europa Conference League second leg clash with Aston Villa.

The winger – and sometimes captain – has not recovered from a knee injury in time to play at Villa Park nor to try to help his side build on last week’s 0-0 draw at the Johan Cruyff Arena. He also seemed to suffer a setback in the build-up to Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Fortuna Sittard.

Head coach John van ‘t Schip said: “That is disappointing, especially for Steven himself. Even last weekend. He had problems with his knee, but his back hurt during the last training for Fortuna. That is why he is not there.”

But Schip believes Brian Brobbey can start against Villa: “He’s in good shape, although you don’t always know with Brian. He’s struggling with his muscles and knee. Sometimes that goes well and other times he has a bit more trouble. As it looks now, he’s ready to And hopefully also to be on the field for a long time.”