Ex-Arsenal star’s home debut with new club lasts just three minutes in crushing scenes

Feb 15, 2026 - 15:30

Ex-Arsenal star Oleksandr Zinchenko hobbled off with a nasty injury just three minutes into his Ajax home debut.

The full-back joined Ajax from Arsenal on February 1 in a permanent deal after his loan at Nottingham Forest was cancelled.

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

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

After making his debut for the Dutch giants 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.

There are now fears that his season could be over if the diagnosis proves to be as bad as first feared.

And that would quash his hopes of featuring for his country at this summer’s World Cup in North America.

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

In a post-match interview following Ajax’s 4-1 win, manager Fred Grim admitted that he doesn’t know the severity of Zinchenko’s injury.

He said: “At the moment, it’s not clear how serious Oleksandr Zinchenko’s injury is.

“He will undergo an MRI scan tomorrow or the day after.

“Hopefully, we’ll know more soon and it won’t be too serious.”

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

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.

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

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 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.”