Ajax’s January gamble on Oleksandr Zinchenko has ended in heartbreak just weeks after it began. The Ukrainian defender has been ruled out for 6 to 7 months after suffering a serious knee injury during his home debut for the Dutch giants as reported by fabrizo romano via their official x handle.
Oleksandr Zinchenko will be out for the next 6/7 months after suffering serious knee injury, Ajax confirm.
Zinchenko picked up the injury just two minutes into his first start for Ajax against Fortuna Sittard on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
After further medical examinations, the club confirmed on February 16 that the 29-year-old will require surgery, ruling him out for the rest of the 2025/26 season.
The setback effectively brings Zinchenko’s short Ajax spell to a premature end. He only joined the club in late January on a short-term deal after leaving Arsenal, following the termination of his loan at Nottingham Forest.
Ajax paid around €1.5 million to bring him in until June, hoping his experience would add stability to their backline during the title run-in.
Instead, the club now faces months without the former Manchester City and Arsenal defender, while Zinchenko begins another long rehabilitation period. It’s a cruel blow for both player and club, especially after such an eagerly anticipated debut in front of the Ajax faithful.
In better news for Ajax, the club recently secured the signing of 19-year-old Argentine prospect Maher Carrizo from Vélez Sarsfield.
The winger has joined on a long-term deal, with Ajax paying €7 million for part of his rights and holding an option to increase their stake. Carrizo is viewed as one for the future, but Zinchenko’s injury leaves an immediate hole in experience at the back.
Softfootball and other outlets describe the situation as a “huge setback” for Ajax, who now have to rethink their defensive plans for the remainder of the season.
