Amsterdam has rarely been a place where fifth place passes without a shiver of concern. Ajax, under Michel González, have taken 15 points from their Eredivisie campaign and sit five behind leaders AZ Alkmaar, an early gap that feels heavier at a club accustomed to measuring its seasons against the summit. The next months have become still more difficult with Kasper Dolberg facing a long rehabilitation after a serious knee injury.
The 27-year-old Danish forward tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during training. He underwent surgery on Tuesday, with the operation reported to have gone well, but the injury is expected to rule him out for an extended spell and appears likely to end his season.
Dolberg’s absence also removes him from Denmark’s international plans. The Danish Football Association had already indicated that he would be sidelined for a prolonged period, leaving the national side without a forward who had begun to find his way back into the rhythm of Amsterdam.
A difficult pause for Dolberg
“The surgery went well, and naturally I am pleased about that,” Dolberg said. “But this injury is a major setback. Over the coming months I must focus entirely on recovery. I will return to Amsterdam soon to continue my rehabilitation there.”
It is a particularly frustrating interruption for a player in the second year of his return to Ajax. Dolberg began his second spell with the club a year ago and has contributed three goals and three assists across nine appearances this season.
For Ajax, the problem extends beyond replacing those direct returns. With AZ Alkmaar setting the early pace and the Amsterdam club under the usual pressure attached to its history and honours, González must now navigate the league schedule without one of his experienced attacking options. Dolberg’s season has shifted from contribution to recovery, with the road back set to begin in the city where his second Ajax chapter was meant to gather momentum.
