Key Takeaways:
- Oleksandr Zinchenko sustained a severe knee injury in Ajax’s 4-1 victory over Fortuna Sittard on Saturday and is now sidelined for the remainder of the season
- The Ukrainian left-back had joined Ajax from Arsenal on a short-term contract during the final week of January
- Zinchenko’s absence will also rule him out of Ukraine’s World Cup play-off campaign in March
Injury Update and Club Statement
Ajax have announced that Oleksandr Zinchenko will not feature again for the club this season, following a significant knee injury sustained early in Saturday’s 4-1 Eredivisie triumph over Fortuna Sittard. The 29-year-old left-back was fouled in the third minute by Dimitris Limnios, resulting in his leg buckling under the challenge.
A club statement released on Monday read: “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.”
After just a few minutes into his first start for Ajax, Oleksandr Zinchenko was forced off the pitch with what seems to be a serious injury.
"I'm definitely worried about him.", said Ajax coach Fred Grim. 🏥🤕 pic.twitter.com/VOLRI4YoUo
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) February 15, 2026
Implications for Club and Country
This setback arrives just weeks after Zinchenko completed his move from Arsenal, where he finalised a short-term contract in Amsterdam during the final week of January. The agreement, brokered by new technical director Jordi Cruyff, was initially planned to be re-evaluated before the end of the current campaign.
Not only will Ajax be deprived of the experienced defender’s services, but Ukraine will also miss Zinchenko as they prepare for their upcoming FIFA World Cup play-off fixtures. Ukraine are set to face Sweden and the winner between Poland and Albania in March, but Zinchenko will be unavailable due to his impending surgery and rehabilitation.
Zinchenko’s Brief Spell with Ajax and Eredivisie Standings
Zinchenko made his Ajax debut on 8 February, appearing for 15 minutes in the 1-1 draw against AZ in Alkmaar. In his second outing for the club, he was forced off after just six minutes against Fortuna Sittard. The nature of the injury and need for surgery means he will not feature again before his contract runs out this summer.
Ajax are currently third in the Eredivisie table, trailing league leaders PSV by 17 points.
| Player | Age | Position | Contract Period | Injury Date | Eredivisie Appearances for Ajax | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oleksandr Zinchenko | 29 | Left-back | January 2026 – June 2026 | 14.02.2026 (vs Fortuna Sittard) | 2 | 21 |
