Ajax hope Frenkie de Jong is fit to face Juventus in Champions League
By Reuters
Last Updated: 15/04/19 7:43pm
Ajax are hopeful midfielder Frenkie de Jong will be fit to face Juventus in Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg, says boss Erik ten Hag.
The 21-year-old went off after just 22 minutes of the Eredivisie game against Excelsior on Saturday, clutching his hamstring, but Ten Hag said it was a precaution.
"We will see, we are positive he can play," he said. "We took him off for prevention, we hope he can play but we will see if it is possible. We will see after this evening's training."
De Jong, who will move to Barcelona at the end of the season, had an impressive showing in last week's clash in Amsterdam which ended 1-1.
"Frenkie himself will have to decide if he is ready, and eventually I decide if he will play," Ten Hag added.
The head coach said he was confident his team could pull off another upset after eliminating holders Real Madrid in the last 16.
"I'm confident because of the way we are playing and training," he said. "We are stronger and we are showing it game by game.
"Juventus are the favourites, especially after the Amsterdam result. If we play well, we can overcome any limit.
"(Massimiliano) Allegri is very knowledgeable and has certainly thought of a different way to approach this game compared to last week. We need to improve our tactical plan."
