Ex-Arsenal star ruled out for the season with major injury he suffered three minutes into home debut for new club

Feb 16, 2026 - 17:00

Former Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko has been ruled out for the remainder of the season just three weeks after signing for Ajax.

It’s a cruel, crushing blow for the Ukrainian, who suffered a major injury only minutes into his home debut with his new club.

Oleksandr Zinchenko went down under with a knee injury in the second minute[/caption]

The full-back was helped back to the dressing room by medical satff[/caption]

Zinchenko only joined Ajax from Arsenal on February 1 in a permanent deal after his loan at Nottingham Forest was cancelled.

After making his debut for the Dutch giants off the bench in last weekend’s 1-1 draw at AZ Alkmaar the Ukrainian was handed his first start against Fortuna Sittard at the Johan Cruyff Arena on Saturday.

Heartbreaking

But it quickly turned into a nightmare for the 29-year-old when he suffered a knee injury in just the third minute of the match following an innocuous tussle with Dimitrios Limnios.

Zinchenko was visibly writhing in pain following the incident and was helped back to the dressing room by the club’s medical staff.

And now his new club have confirmed his season is over after less than 20 minutes on the pitch, with reports suggesting he is facing between six and seven months out.

A statement from Ajax issue on Monday reads: “Oleksandr Zinchenko has been ruled out for an extended period.

“The defender suffered a knee injury last weekend in the early stages of the home match with Fortuna Sittard at the Johan Cruijff ArenA.

“Examination at the hospital has shown that surgery is required. This will take place in the near future.

“The 29-year-old Ukraine international will then face a lengthy rehabilitation period, which means he will not play again this season.”

The news also ends Zinchenko’s hopes of featuring for his country at this summer’s World Cup in North America.

The Ukrainian was in a great deal of pain following the incident[/caption]

Ajax coach Fred Grim consoled the new signing after he was forced off the pitch in sad scenes

Ukraine faces a playoff semi-final against Sweden next month with the winners taking on Poland or Albania for a spot in the finals.

Zinchenko’s injury comes after the star took a significant wage cut to join the Dutch side in the hope of keeping alive his World Cup chances.

He made 91 appearances for the Gunners across three seasons after joining the club in July 2022 from Manchester City in a £32million deal.

Show of gratitude

Upon his departure, Zinchenko, said in his farewell message to Arsenal fans: “To the Gunners, I will never forget the way you welcomed me.

“Still remember the goosebumps I got at the first game after hearing your ‘Always beliiiiiieeeve’.

“I couldn’t even dream about it. From the deepest place in my heart I would like to say a massive thank you for everything that you have done for me and my family.

Zinchenko saw his playing time at Arsenal dwindle as Arteta made important signings — Zinchenko spent three-and-a-half years at the Emirates but slipped down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta

“To the coaching staff, thank you for the opportunity to be a small part of this amazing club.

“To the players, thank you for the priceless experience, fantastic memories and becoming friends for life. To all the staff, thank you for your help and for looking after me and my family.

“And of course to the fans, for love, support and criticism which we as players need to accept and work even harder. I just want to wish you all the best and hope you achieve everything you wish.

“Once a Gunner always a Gunner. Thank you Arsenal.”