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Ajax’s grueling December: Seven key matches in 21 days with a depleted squad

A make-or-break December awaits Ajax. With stars sidelined and youth stepping up, can Grim’s thin squad survive a relentless run of fixtures?

, and ASMedia

2025 December 12 . 3:20 PM

1 min read

In this picture there is a woman who is a standing near to the person who is wearing lion's face.... — In this picture there is a woman who is a standing near to the person who is wearing lion's face. in the back I can see the players who are standing on the ground. On the left I can see some people who are sitting on the bench. Beside them I can see the chairs.

Ajax’s grueling December: Seven key matches in 21 days with a depleted squad

Ajax are preparing for a packed schedule before the winter break, with seven matches in just 21 days. The team currently sits fourth in the Eredivisie, trailing second-placed Feyenoord by eight points. Injuries and suspensions have left interim coach Fred Grim with limited options for key fixtures.

The upcoming run begins with a KNVB Cup clash against Excelsior Maassluis on December 17, followed by an Eredivisie game against NEC on December 21. Reinforcements for these matches include returning players like Brian Brobbey, Kenneth Taylor, Jorrel Hato, and Devyne Rensch, alongside youth prospects Jesurun Labadie and Mika Godts. However, Steven Berghuis and Wout Weghorst will not feature again this year due to injuries, while Youri Baas remains suspended.

Ajax’s busy December schedule will test their depth, with injuries and suspensions thinning the squad. The return of key players like Taylor and Dolberg provides some relief, but the absence of Berghuis, Weghorst, and Sutalo leaves Grim with tough decisions ahead of crucial matches.