Kasper Dolberg is ruled out for the rest of the season. The 29-year-old AFC Ajax striker underwent successful surgery on the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee on Tuesday.
The injury was sustained two weeks ago during a training session with the Danish national team. Dolberg will remain in Denmark for the initial phase of his recovery before returning to Amsterdam. A typical ACL rehabilitation lasts six to nine months, ending his campaign.
"The operation on my anterior cruciate ligament went well," Dolberg said. "I am obviously happy about that, although this injury hits hard." The forward added, "I will have to focus completely on my recovery in the coming period. I will come to Amsterdam soon to continue my rehabilitation there."
Losing Dolberg is a significant setback for Ajax. He had just rediscovered his form with two goals and three assists in the three matches before the international break, including a goal and two assists in the 5-1 win over Willem II. His return to the starting lineup and the national team came after a difficult period.
The injury increases the pressure on the other strikers. Tolu Arokodare and Marcos Leonardo must now provide the goals. Ajax currently sits fifth in the Eredivisie with 14 points from seven games. On Saturday they host NEC Nijmegen, who are eleventh, at the Johan Cruijff ArenA. The full squad and injury list are available on the site. Dolberg's arrival from Anderlecht for ten million euros in the summer seemed a boost, but an abdominal wall injury sidelined him for over six weeks then.
After the winter break he saw less playing time, but coach Michel Sánchez recently restored his faith in him. His strong performances made him a competitor for Arokodare. His absence now leaves the attacking options considerably thinner for the coming months, during which Ajax aims to close the five-point gap to leaders AZ Alkmaar.
The report in full is at NOS Sport
