Former Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2025-2026 season after suffering a devastating knee injury that requires surgery. The 29-year-old Ukraine international sustained the injury just minutes into his home debut for new club Ajax, marking a heartbreaking setback only weeks after his permanent transfer from Arsenal.
Ajax confirmed the news in an official statement released on Monday, February 16, 2026. "Oleksandr Zinchenko has been ruled out for an extended period," the club announced. "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 incident occurred during Ajax's Eredivisie match against Fortuna Sittard on Saturday, February 14, 2026. Zinchenko, making his first start for the club after a substitute appearance in his debut away at AZ Alkmaar, went down in pain following an innocuous clash with Fortuna's Dimitrios Limnios. Reports indicate the injury happened as early as the second or third minute—some accounts specify two-and-a-half minutes—on the left knee. He received immediate treatment on the pitch before being helped off and taken to the dressing room.
Ajax went on to secure a 4-1 victory, with goals from Jorthy Mokio, Rayane Bounida, and a brace from Mika Godts, but the focus quickly shifted to Zinchenko's condition. Initial fears of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear circulated widely, with reports suggesting a recovery timeline of six to seven months or more. While the club did not specify the exact nature of the injury beyond confirming the need for surgery, the extended absence aligns with typical timelines for major knee ligament damage.
Zinchenko joined Ajax on a permanent deal on February 1, 2026, signing a contract until June 30, 2026. The move came after his season-long loan at Nottingham Forest was mutually terminated early. The transfer reunited him with the Netherlands, where he previously played for PSV Eindhoven on loan from Manchester City earlier in his career. At Arsenal since 2022, Zinchenko made 91 appearances across all competitions, contributing to the team's style of play with his versatility as a left-back or midfielder.
The injury has drawn widespread sympathy from fans, teammates, and the football community. Zinchenko himself expressed devastation on social media, posting: "Devastated... I feel really sorry and guilty towards Ajax." He emphasized his frustration at the timing, having barely featured for his new club.
The blow is significant for Ajax, who signed the experienced international to bolster their defense and midfield options amid a challenging season in the Eredivisie. With the Dutch league campaign ongoing and potential European commitments, the club will now need to adjust without one of their key new additions for the remaining fixtures.
Zinchenko's absence also impacts Ukraine's national team preparations, as the injury rules him out for upcoming internationals and potentially the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, depending on recovery progress.
Medical staff at Ajax and specialists will oversee Zinchenko's surgery and rehabilitation, with the club wishing him a full and speedy recovery. The defender's time in Amsterdam, intended as a fresh chapter, has been cut short in unfortunate circumstances, leaving questions about his future beyond the current contract.
Football supporters and former clubs, including Arsenal, have sent messages of support, highlighting Zinchenko's resilience and contributions to the game. As he begins what is expected to be a prolonged recovery, the focus shifts to his return to full fitness in the months ahead.
