Ajax set to be without Japanese defender for clash with FC Groningen Japanese defender Ko Itakura will miss the upcoming match between his current club Ajax and his former employers FC Groningen. Fred Grim confirmed that the Ajax defender has been dealing with back issues for several weeks, having not appeared in the Eredivisie since January 24th. Itakura was on the bench for Ajax during their recent encounter against AZ. Itakura joined Ajax in the summer from Bundesliga side Borussia Mönchengladbach, where he had spent three seasons. Prior to that, he played for Schalke 04, the club he left to join the Eredivisie in 2021. Before his move to Ajax, the 29-year-old had made 59 appearances for FC Groningen. Since joining Ajax, he has featured in 21 games. Ajax enters the match with a five-match unbeaten run, though they have only secured one victory in that span. The team faces a Groningen side that has struggled significantly after a strong start to the season. Groningen have not won since January 18th and are on a six-game losing streak. While they are not in immediate danger of relegation, their recent form has been a stark contrast to their early-season success.#borussia_monchengladbach #fc_groningen #ajax #ko_itakura #schalke_04
Ajax Scramble for Champions League Spot Away to Hapless Groningen: Where to Watch the Match Online, Live Stream, TV Channels, and Kick-Off Time FC Groningen will host Ajax in a crucial Eredivisie clash on March 7, 2026, with the match set to kick off at 10:30 EST (15:30 GMT). The game will take place at the Euroborg stadium, marking a challenging test for the struggling Groningen side. Ajax, the Dutch giants, are seeking to maintain their competitive edge despite a recent slump in league form, while Groningen, currently languishing in 11th place, face a daunting task against their rivals. The Eredivisie match will be broadcast live on multiple platforms, including Sportsnet in Canada and ESPN Africa in South and Sub-Saharan Africa. For viewers outside these regions, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help bypass geo-restrictions. Services like ExpressVPN allow users to access regional streams by changing their virtual location, ensuring fans can watch the game regardless of their physical location. A step-by-step guide to setting up a VPN for streaming is available for those unfamiliar with the process. Groningen’s woes are evident as they enter the match on a six-match losing streak, having recently fallen to Volendam in a 3-2 defeat. Their struggles have pushed them down the league table, though relegation remains a distant concern. In contrast, Ajax, despite their recent draw-heavy campaign, have shown resilience with breakout star Mika Godts contributing 13 goals and eight assists in 23 Eredivisie appearances. The club’s inability to secure the Eredivisie title since 2021-22 adds pressure to their performance in this match. Key injuries and suspensions will impact both teams. Groningen’s captain, Stije Resink, is sidelined for up to 12 months following a severe knee injury, while Younes Taha faces a suspension.#ajax #fc_groningen #euroborg #sportsnet #espn_africa
