Ajax duo to observe Ramadan before Tottenham clash

Ajax's Hakim Ziyech and Noussair Mazraoui won't eat or drink during daylight hours for three days in run-up to Champions League second leg decider.

The duo have told the club of their intention to fast during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

But Raymond Verheijen, the Dutch fitness coach has warned the pair, who will abstain from any food or liquids during daylight hours from Monday, that they will suffer physically at a crucial stage of the season for Treble-chasing Ajax.

The Amsterdam side defeated Willem II in the Dutch Cup Final on Sunday, and they play host to Tottenham on Wednesday night in the second leg of a Champions League semi-final with a 1-0 lead and are ahead of PSV Eindhoven only on goal difference at the top of the Eredivisie with two games to go.

Verheijen said: “It would be irresponsible if Ziyech and Mazraoui stick to the fasting requirements of Ramadan at this stage of the season. Ajax’s situation is extreme - everyone is aware of that.”

“The players’ bodies will be deregulated, as they will be changing a pattern of training and diet of the past 11 months.”

“If you do this now, in the ultimate performance weeks of the season, it is like throwing a spanner in a wheel. Their blood sugar level will be lower - and that means less and less energy. Not only does that make athletes less alert, it will also send weaker signals to the muscles of the body.”

Hakim Ziyech played all but three minutes of the first leg in north London, while Noussair Mazraoui came on as a substitute just after the hour.

“The sun sets on Wednesday night at 21.18 in local time and the second leg of the semi-final kicks off at 21.00. You can’t play without eating before the game. And what about if this match goes to extra time, with Tottenham leading 1-0?,” he added.

“I expect the players to realise that this is almost impossible for them.”

However, Ajax coach Erik ten Hag is of contrary opinion. He refuses to ask any of his squad to put their fitness needs ahead of their religious beliefs. He said: “It is the choice of my players. I leave this entirely up to them."