Ajax Star Daley Blind Diagnosed With Heart Condition

The 29-year-old complained of dizziness in last week’s UEFA Champions League home loss to Valencia but went on to complete the game.

Blind has not featured for Ajax since the Valencia game and a series of extensive medical tests carried on the Netherlands international revealed an inflammation of the heart muscle.

The former Manchester United defender will not be part of Ajax’s travelling party for a training camp in Qatar in January.

“Daley Blind has been diagnosed with heart muscle inflammation,” read a statement from the Dutch champions on Saturday.

“The central defender has undergone extensive medical examination in recent days, following the dizziness that briefly bothered him during the Ajax – Valencia match.

“It was then decided to place a subcutaneous ICD on Blind, a device that is applied under the skin. As a result of this operation, which took place yesterday [Friday], the 29-year-old international will not start the training camp at the beginning of January but will continue to work on his recovery in Amsterdam.”

Blind, who helped Ajax reach the Champions League semi-finals last season and has made 26 appearances in all competitions this term, took to social media to provide an update to his followers.

“First of all, I want to thank you guys for all the messages you sent me. I really appreciate it and it helped me, so [it was] very kind and thank you for that,” said Blind.

“Second, Ajax just posted an update online about my condition. The most important thing is that I’m feeling good at the moment and I’m trying to come back as soon as possible.

“Again, thank you for everything and I’ll see you guys soon.”

Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman will be a worried man with the news on Blind after talisman Memphis Depay’s EURO 2020 participation was put in doubt with a serious knee injury last week.