ROME (Reuters) -- AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini is back from injury for their pivotal Champions League group H match against Ajax on Wednesday.

The Italian club named the defender on Monday in a 22-man squad for the away match. Maldini has not played since injuring his thigh in the European champions 1-0 win over Club Bruges at the start of the month.

Initial reports suggested Maldini, 35, would be forced to rest until December. The Italian's speedy recovery is good news for coach Carlo Ancelotti, who needs Maldini's experience to bolster a defense already weakened by the absence of suspended Alessandro Nesta.

AC Milan lead Group H by one point from Ajax. With third-placed Celta Vigo close behind, however, a loss against the Dutch side could jeopardize the Italian club's chances of reaching the knockout phase.