AFC Ajax manager Michel Sanchez provided a detailed squad update ahead of the important home match against PSV Eindhoven. The game, played last Saturday night at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, was Ajax's fourth Eredivisie fixture of the season. The Amsterdam side entered the clash with seven points from three games, following wins against PEC Zwolle and Telstar and a draw with SC Heerenveen. The club currently sits fifth in the Eredivisie, with seven points from four matches and a goal difference of plus four. This was reported by roundtable.io.

Who will make their Ajax debut?

Sofyan Amrabat will make his official debut for Ajax. The midfielder joined on a free transfer towards the end of the window and Sanchez confirmed his availability. "He will play on Saturday. Physically, he is ready. Of course, we have to see how the match unfolds, but he is ready," said the coach. Amrabat signed just days before the top match, as did defender Thilo Kehrer. Both players were immediately available for selection.

Another new signing, Viktor Tsygankov, was also in contention. Sanchez indicated the Ukrainian was an option for the left wing position, the spot where the injured Simon Adingra would normally play. "Tsygankov is going through a difficult physical process, but has the capabilities to play anywhere up front," the coach stated. The player was not yet fully fit, however.

Who is missing for Ajax through injury?

Ajax had to face PSV without several key players. Daley Blind was not available. The defender visited a specialist earlier in the week. "He is at least running around again, but it is still too early to say when he will return. He has, however, made significant progress," Sanchez said. Rayane Bounida was also absent.

The most significant absentee was likely Simon Adingra. The attacker, signed on loan from Sunderland on deadline day, sustained an ankle injury. He had not yet trained with the team and was expected to be fit in about a month. His absence was a major blow for a side that had shown vulnerability, especially in defence.

What was PSV's form before the match?

Opponents PSV Eindhoven arrived in Amsterdam with ten points from four games, which made them league leaders at the time. Ajax trailed by six points. PSV started the season with a draw against Fortuna Sittard but then beat Excelsior, FC Groningen and FC Utrecht. In those last two wins, the Eindhoven side scored a combined eleven goals.

Yet, the Brabanders had also shown weaknesses. They lost 4-0 to AZ Alkmaar in the Johan Cruijff Schaal and the draw against Fortuna also pointed to vulnerabilities. For Ajax, who earlier qualified for the UEFA Conference League league phase after beating Vojvodina, Shelbourne FC and FC Sion, that was an encouragement.

What are Ajax's next steps?

Following the PSV match, Ajax turns its attention to the away fixture against Fortuna Sittard, scheduled for September 12, 2026. Fortuna currently sits seventh in the table. It is an important opportunity for Sanchez's side to pick up points in the title race, where they are six points behind the leaders.

The Ajax squad possesses a lot of quality, but integrating new players like Amrabat, Kehrer and Tsygankov takes time. Fans can follow the current standings and upcoming fixtures on the club website. The coming weeks will reveal if the team can turn defensive fragility into consistency.