Ajax's aspirations for securing their first Champions League points this season have been dealt a significant blow due to a series of injuries impacting key players, ahead of their Wednesday match against Qarabag.

The Dutch giants, who have a rich history in European football with four Champions League titles, have struggled mightily in the current campaign, losing all five of their group stage matches. Their poor performance has increased the pressure on head coach John Heitinga, who was appointed at the start of the season.

Adding to their woes, Ajax will be without the services of key striker Wout Weghorst, who has been ruled out until the winter break due to an ankle injury. Medical tests revealed significant ligament damage in his right ankle sustained during the 3-1 away win against Fortuna Sittard. Weghorst was forced off injured in that match and did not travel with the squad to Azerbaijan.

In addition to Weghorst, Kenneth Taylor and Josip Šutalo are also unavailable for the Qarabag match due to fitness concerns. James McConnell, Gerald Alders and Steven Berghuis will also remain in the Netherlands. Berghuis was already expected to miss the match against Chelsea due to a groin injury. Oliver Edvardsen is expected to start on the right flank in Berghuis' absence.

The absence of Weghorst is a particularly significant setback, as he currently leads Ajax's goal-scoring charts in the Eredivisie.

Despite the injury concerns, there is some positive news for Ajax as left-back Owen Wijndal is in the squad and could feature against Qarabag, after missing the last three games with a muscle injury.

Ajax's injury crisis adds another layer of difficulty to their already challenging Champions League campaign. The team has yet to score in the competition this season, and their chances of securing a positive result against Qarabag appear to be diminishing.