The KNVB has suspended Owen Wijndal for three matches, one of which is conditional, after his red card in the cup match with AZ. The left back had to leave the field prematurely after a strong charge on Wouter Goes. Wijndal already feared a longer suspension and now knows that he will have to watch the home matches against Go Ahead Eagles and FC Volendam.
After 66 minutes, Wijndal had to leave the field against AZ at 4-0. In a duel, the defender planted his studs in Goes’ leg, after which referee Bas Nijhuis showed the red card. Wijndal did not wait for the VAR check, immediately went to the dressing room and showed guilt afterwards. Wijndal already announced in front of ESPN’s camera that he feared a longer suspension. That has now become reality.
Because he immediately received a red card, the 26-year-old left leg’s suspension also applies to the competition. As a result, Wijndal will have to watch when Ajax takes on Go Ahead Eagles next Saturday, just like when they face FC Volendam a week later in the Johan Cruijff Arena. Between those two matches, Ajax visits Villarreal in the Champions League. Wijndal is then eligible to play.
Just before and just after the winter break, Wijndal was already struggling with injuries, which meant that interim coach Fred Grim had to move to the back positions a number of times. He invariably chose Lucas Rosa as left back and Anton Gaaei as right back. However, both defenders have not yet made a strong impression this season. Later, Takehiro Tomiyasu can also become an option for the back positions, but the Japanese transfer is still in the final phase of his rehabilitation.
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