Míchel gives hopeful update on injured Brandt

Brandt left the field during the first half but manager Míchel believes the injury is not serious.

Julian Brandt was substituted during Ajax's match against AZ after experiencing discomfort that worsened when attempting to sprint. Manager Míchel Sánchez confirmed at his post-match press conference that Brandt had been struggling throughout the first half and requested to come off to avoid aggravating the problem.

"He felt he had to slow down whenever he wanted to sprint, because otherwise he could pick up an injury," Míchel explained. "He knows his own body best, but it doesn't look like it's a serious injury." Ajax won the match and will face FC Midtjylland in the Conference League on Thursday. Míchel also noted that other players including Jorthy Mokio and Abdellah Ouazane were operating below full capacity due to illness and hip discomfort respectively.