Heitinga cannot disguise glee at big Inter injury problem | OneFootball

The revelation that Inter captain Lautaro Martinez could miss the Champions League opener was greeted with undisguised glee by Ajax coach John Heitinga. ‘That’s good information.’

The two sides meet in their first Champions League game of the season on Wednesday at the Johan Cruijff Arena at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).

Heitinga ready for anything in Ajax vs. Inter

COMO, ITALY – JULY 27: Ajax coach Johnny Heitinga Heitinga issues instructions to his players during the Como Cup Final match between Como 1907 and Ajax at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on July 27, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The Nerazzurri would usually have Lautaro Martinez as the first name on the team sheet, but he is a major doubt to feature at all after struggling with a back injury.

When Ajax coach Heitinga was informed of that development by Sportitalia journalist Tancredi Palmeri, he could not hide his glee.

“Are you sure? Well that’s good information, tell me more please!” he replied.

Would the absence of the captain and Argentina international potentially change the Inter set-up, and therefore prompt Heiting to adjust the way Ajax approach this match?

“With his experience, he can make the difference. He’s exceptional and showed that in already the past. But it doesn’t matter, because the players they bring in are all top level players.

“We’ll have to see who replaces him, if he’s not playing.”

This is the opening fixture for the two clubs in the Champions League and Heitinga acknowledges it is a tough one.

“We’re playing against a tough opponent. Of all the sides we will face, this is one we would have preferred a bit later. We will have to be at our best and we’ll need all our players and the fans to do that too.

“The moment you get to play in the Champions League, you notice that everyone is happy to be playing on the highest stage again.”

Ajax have some absentees too, the most recent confirmation being Steven Berghuis along with Branco van den Boomen.

“He’s not fit enough to play. He’s not in the squad. I would have preferred Steven to be there, but he won’t make it for this match.”

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 31: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Internazionale, looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 31, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

There will be a reunion on the touchline between former Ajax teammates Heitinga and Cristian Chivu, now the coach of Inter.

“Chris was the captain, and I got injured quite seriously. Chris was the one who always paid me attention, chatted with me, and – based on his faith – gave me a cross for protection.

“I had a special relationship with Chris, and I’m happy to be able to give him another hug.”