Henderson forced to watch Ajax from stands with debut delayed until NEXT MONTH

JORDAN HENDERSON watched on as his new Ajax teammates thumped RKC Waalwijk 4-1... and he could be made to wait until NEXT MONTH to make his debut.

The former Liverpool captain is having to wait for a work permit to come through before he can train with and play for the Dutch giants after escaping his Saudi Arabian nightmare.

Henderson, who joined on a free transfer after terminating his Al-Ettifaq contract, could theoretically make his debut on a plastic pitch at Heracles on Saturday should the paperwork come through.

However, it is understood the process could take up to two weeks.

This means the first match for his new side could be against league leaders PSV Eindhoven on February 3.

Despite their victory over Waalwijk, Ajax are still a huge 21 points off PSV - who failed to win a league match for the first time THIS SEASON on Sunday.

But while the title has already gone, Henderson will be hoping to lead Ajax to Champions League qualification.

Eredivisie's top two secure spots in the Champions League group stage, while third earns a place in the qualifying rounds.

Ajax are 11 points adrift of Feyenoord in second, but just six adrift of FC Twente in third.

Meanwhile, Henderson's No6 shirt broke the Ajax record for fastest-selling jersey in their history.

He was not able to select his usual No14 shirt as Ajax have retired it to honour club icon Johan Cruyff.

But the Liverpool legend, who is now Ajax's highest earner, is over the moon to return to European football after a horror six-month stint in the Middle East.

After the transfer was confirmed, Henderson issued a statement on social media about his Al-Ettifaq departure, saying: "I'm sad to say that I will be leaving Al Ettifaq with immediate effect.

"It wasn't an easy decision but