Machlas sustains injury during training

26 March: Ajax striker, Nikos Machlas, sustained an injury on Sunday. The Greek was playing a training match with the Greece national team in Athens, against a B-team, when he had to leave the pitch due to a left fibula and ankle injury. Machlas is likely to miss Greece's World Cup qualifier against Germany.

"In the 88th minute, I scored from a header," Machlas said, "but then I landed on my defender's foot. My ankle has had medical treatment right away, on Sunday, and now I'm being permanently helped by our medical staff. Walking goes better today, but I'm not sure whether I can play against Germany. I think my chances are small, but there's still a little bit of hope."

The severity of the injury cannot be fully assessed until Ajax' medical staff has taken a look at Machlas' ankle.

Machlas is not the only Ajacied in trouble at the training camp of his national team. Romanian defender, Cristian Chivu, did not play for Romania this weekend, even though he was fully recovered from his hamstring injury. Unlucky Chivu had the flu. (MP)

(Sources: Trouw and Ajax.nl)