Fresh injury for O'Brien

Ajax midfielder John O'Brien's injury nightmare reared its head again at the weekend.

The United States international had only recently returned to fitness following a lengthy time on the sidelines with an Achilles problem and he was hopeful of securing an extended run in the team.

Coach Ronald Koeman handed O'Brien a starting berth against Willem II, his first match for nine months, and he produced a solid display.

However, he failed to finish the 3-1 win as he was hit with a hamstring injury with 12 minutes remaining.

O'Brien is set to undergo a scan early this week and he will hope the damage is only minor.

Ajax, meanwhile, are being linked with a move for Bordeaux's Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh.

The 20-year-old has starred for Les Girondins this term and was rewarded with a bumper new deal recently, but this has not deterred Ajax who are said to be monitoring his situation with interest.