Amsterdam - Ajax's injury problems continue to mount with the news Belgian duo Laurent Delorge and Thomas Vermaelen will not return until after Christmas.
Delorge, who joined Ajax from ADO Den Haag in the summer, has a lingering Achilles injury while Vermaelen is struggling with a problematic ankle.
The Amsterdammers' doctor, Edwin Goedhart, told Voetbal International: "We will first let Laurent start with minor training and raise the bar a bit each time. We want to prevent any further setbacks.
"The ankle operation of Vermaelen has healed well but he won't be back in action any sooner than January 2008 either."
Veteran midfielder Edgar Davids is out until after the winter break while the comeback of Brazilian striker Leonardo has also been delayed until after the festive period.
