Oleksandr Zinchenko injury sidelines ex-Arsenal star for rest of season, requiring surgery and lengthy rehabilitation at Ajax

Ajax have confirmed that Oleksandr Zinchenko will miss the remainder of the season following a severe knee injury sustained during his home debut.

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The 29-year-old Ukraine international went down within three minutes of Ajax’s clash with Fortuna Sittard on Saturday at the Johan Cruijff ArenA.

Zinchenko, who joined Ajax earlier this month for £1.3million after a three-and-a-half-year spell with Arsenal, had made his debut as a substitute against AZ Alkmaar.

Saturday’s fixture marked his first start for the Dutch club, following a loan spell at Nottingham Forest where he made 10 appearances.

The club revealed that medical examinations confirmed surgery is required for Zinchenko’s left knee.

Ajax stated in a release on Monday: “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.”

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The injury also rules Zinchenko out of Ukraine’s World Cup play-off campaign next month. Should Ukraine advance, he is likely to miss the tournament entirely, delivering a major blow to both club and country.