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Ajax Amsterdam manager Alfred Schreuder has put to rest the fear that Nigeria international Calvin Bassey may be out for a while after he was substituted in the closing minutes of his side’s 5-0 rout of SC Heerenveen on Saturday.
The former Rangers defender was taken off the field with just six minutes to the end of the game after he felt discomfort in his knees forcing his side to see out the remainder of the game with 10 men having exhausted all their substations.
The 23-year-old has been a regular for the Eredivisie defending champions since joining from Rangers and has helped his new club keep five consecutive clean sheets.
The versatile defender also played a crucial role as his team hammered Heerenveen 5-0 with Ghana international Mohammed Kudus grabbing a brace while the other goals came from Davy Klaassen, Kenneth Taylor and Brian Brobbey.
Following his early exit from the pitch, there has been worry that the Nigerian may miss the UEFA Champions League match at Anfield against Liverpool.
However, in an interview with ESPN which was quoted by Ajax Showtime, Schreuder assured that Bassey does not seem to have been left with a serious injury and could be available for the trip to Anfield.
“We were able to switch well. Maybe we switch the last player a little too early, but I thought we could do that.
“Fortunately, Calvin Bassey is not so bad. It was a kick in the calf, so that’s not too bad.”
Schreuder added at the post-match press conference: “He (Bassey, ed.) said it’s no problem.’’
Ajax will on Tuesday face a Liverpool side, who are desperate for a win after falling 4-1 away to Napoli in their opening Group A match.
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