# Ajax and AZ Face European Challenges Amid Injury Woes

Ajax travels to Midtjylland without key players while AZ welcomes back Kees Smit.

- **Source:** [NOS Sport](https://nos.nl/sport)
- **Published:** 2026-11-04
- **Topic:** [sports](https://brifing.si/c/sports)
- **Original article:** <https://nos.nl/l/2638043>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/db6f2f41-b5c7-4dcc-beed-4e25e168e319

## Ajax faces injury crisis

Ajax travels to Denmark for their Conference League match against Midtjylland without key midfielders Julian Brandt and Sofyan Amrabat. The squad is further depleted by the absence of Viktor Tsyhankov, Kasper Dolberg, and Caio Henrique. Additionally, new signing Yves Bissouma remains ineligible for European competition, forcing coach Míchel Sánchez into significant tactical changes.

## Midfield puzzle for Sánchez

Coach Míchel Sánchez must restructure his midfield after relying on a consistent trio of Jorthy Mokio, Amrabat, and Brandt over the last four matches. Despite these absences, the team receives a boost as veterans Daley Blind and Steven Berghuis return to the squad, having played fifteen minutes against AZ last weekend.

## Ajax European campaign status

Ajax currently holds three points after two Conference League matches, following a disappointing loss to Hadjuk Split and a recovery victory against Atalanta. Their upcoming opponent, Midtjylland, enters the match under pressure, having secured only one point from their opening two fixtures. Both teams are desperate to improve their standing in the tournament.

## AZ welcomes back Smit

AZ Alkmaar prepares for their Europa League clash against Juventus with positive news regarding Kees Smit. The twenty-year-old midfielder has returned to the squad after recent weeks of offensive struggles for the team. Coach Leeroy Echteld confirmed that while Smit is not fit to start, he is available as a substitute option.

## Juventus injury concerns

While AZ travels with a nearly complete squad, Juventus faces a severe injury wave ahead of the match. The Italian side will be missing captain Manuel Locatelli, former Ajax player Francisco Conceição, and young talent Kenan Yildiz. These absences create a challenging environment for the hosts as they prepare to face the Dutch visitors.

## Koopmeiners family reunion

The match in Turin features a unique narrative as Teun Koopmeiners is included in the Juventus squad to face his former club, AZ. He will compete against his younger brother, Peer Koopmeiners, who plays for the Alkmaar side. This personal dynamic adds an extra layer of intrigue to the high-stakes European encounter in Italy.

## Current group standings

AZ enters the match in a strong position, having won two of their first three European fixtures. Juventus currently holds a slight edge in the group, having accumulated seven out of nine possible points. The outcome of this specific match will be crucial for determining the final standings and progression paths for both clubs.

## Broadcasting and coverage

Fans can follow the European matches involving Ajax, AZ, NEC, and FC Twente through multiple digital channels. The NOS app and their official website will provide live blogs throughout the evening. Additionally, radio coverage will be available via Langs de Lijn En Omstreken on NPO Radio 1, ensuring comprehensive updates for all supporters.

## Sources covering this story

- https://nos.nl/l/2638043 — 

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._