Ajax have confirmed that Oleksandr Zinchenko will miss the rest of the season after suffering a serious knee injury on his home debut.
The shocking setback came just weeks after the Ukrainian defender completed his move to the Dutch giants. Moreover, the injury occurred only minutes into his first start at the Johan Cruijff ArenA.
The 29-year-old was forced off the pitch just six minutes into Ajax’s clash with Fortuna Sittard on Saturday. However, the damage had already been done.
Zinchenko had only recently joined Ajax for £1.3 million. The move ended his three-and-a-half-year spell with Arsenal. Earlier this season, he had been on loan at Nottingham Forest, where 10 appearances were made.
After debuting as a late substitute against AZ Alkmaar, he was handed his first start against Sittard. With less than three minutes played, he went down holding his left knee. He was later helped off the field by medical staff.
Ajax confirmed the severity of the blow in an official statement.
“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 Oleksandr Zinchenko injury has dealt a heavy blow to Ajax’s defensive plans. Furthermore, it has disrupted what was expected to be a fresh chapter in his career.
Medical tests were conducted shortly after the match. As a result, surgery has now been scheduled. A long recovery period will follow, and his return date remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, the injury also affects Ukraine’s national team. Zinchenko is set to miss next month’s World Cup play-off matches. In addition, should Ukraine qualify, his participation in the tournament appears unlikely.
The timing is particularly cruel given that his Ajax career had just begun.
For Ajax, squad adjustments may need to be made quickly. Defensive options could be reshuffled as the season enters a critical phase.
