Van Damme in doubt
Wednesday, November 20, 2002
Article summary
AFC Ajax's Jelle van Damme is set to miss the opening UEFA Champions League second group stage match.
Article body
AFC Ajax defender Jelle van Damme is set to miss his club's opening UEFA Champions League second group stage match with Valencia CF after breaking the big toe on his left foot.
Two-week absence
Van Damme suffered the injury during the Belgium Under-21 side's 2-0 victory at home to Scotland on Tuesday night, and is expected to be missing for two weeks.
Valencia trip
This would leave him on the sidelines for Ajax's Group B opener at Spanish champions Valencia, who themselves will be without Pablo Aimar and Francisco Rufete for the game. Ajax go on to face AS Roma two weeks later, and will also take on Arsenal FC after the winter break.
Unbeaten run
The 19-year-old left-back is also likely to miss the Dutch first division fixtures with SC Heerenveen and FC Twente. Ajax are currently unbeaten in the league and three points clear at the top as they defend the title they won last season.
