Ajax welcome back Luis Suarez for their UEFA Cup Group F clash at home to Slovakian outfit Zilina on Thursday.

The Uruguay forward was suspended for the 2-0 win over FC Twente last weekend but is now available to coach Marco van Basten.

The Amsterdam giants will be far from at full strength for the encounter, however, with Maarten Stekelenburg (shoulder), Jan-Arie van der Heijden, Mitchell Donald, Ismail Aissati (all knee), Miralem Sulejmani (hamstring), Dennis Gentenaar (back), Eyong Enoh and Dennis Rommedahl (both groin) all still sidelined.

Sulejmani, Rommedahl and Enoh have resumed training but the midweek match comes too soon for the trio.

Four-time European champions Ajax will be aiming to kick-start their UEFA Cup campaign on Thursday after losing their opening pool game 2-1 at Aston Villa a fortnight ago.

The Amsterdam ArenA meeting will be the first time the sides have gone head to head, although Ajax have won three of their four previous matches in European club competition against Slovakian opposition.

Van Basten does not expect his players to have an easy time of it on Thursday.

"I think Zilina will be happy with a point," said the Ajax coach.

"From the videos I've seen of them, we know it will be difficult. Zilina play defensively and are physically strong.

"In that respect we have to establish ourselves. We must for example ensure that the tempo remains fast and that we adjust rapidly."

Midfielder Rasmus Lindgren has also warned his team-mates they must be alert from the first whistle.

"We must ensure that we have Zilina on the ropes from kick-off," said the Swede.

"That means starting sharply and trying to stop Zilina from playing."

Zilina are undefeated in their last six European away games but have never scored a goal against an Eredivisie team.

The Slovakians welcome back midfielder Robert Jez on Thursday following a two-match suspension.