Ajax

Stekelenburg Blow For Ajax

Eredivisie giants Ajax will be without their goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg for about a month. The shot-stopper has sustained a shoulder injury.

Oct 3, 2008 12:08:39 PM

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Maarten Stekelenburg, Ajax (foto ANP)

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Ajax qualified for the group phase of the UEFA Cup on Thursday evening with a 2-0 home victory against Serbian side Borac, but the Amsterdam side have recieved some bad news.

Goalie Maarten Stekelenburg has sustained a shoulder injury and will be sidelined for four to six weeks. The 26-year-old complained about pain in his shoulder during the Eredivisie match against Vitesse, but was able to complete the game.

However, his shoulder continued to cause him trouble and an investigation made it clear that the injury will keep him off the pitch for over a month. The blow has also impacted the national team, with Edwin van der Sar returning to the Oranje fold.

Additionally, reserve keeper Dennis Gentenaar has sustained an injury. A hernia will keep him sidelined for at least a month.

Therefore, hot prospect Kenneth Vermeer will be interim No.1 for boss Marco van Basten. Vermeer was already the starting goalkeeper in yesterday’s UEFA Cup match against Borac.

Jong Ajax shot stopper Sergio Padt will be promoted to the senior side as a back-up for Vermeer.

Stefan Coerts