Former Arsenal star, Oleksandr Zinchenko ruled out for season after sustaining knee injury

Ajax have confirmed that Oleksandr Zinchenko will miss the rest of this season after he suffered a devastating knee injury on his home debut.

The ex-Arsenal star, 29, came off just six minutes into Ajax’s clash with Fortuna Sittard on Saturday.

Zinchenko only joined Ajax earlier this month for £1.3million, ending his three-and-a-half-year stay with Arsenal. The Ukrainian had spent the first half of the season on loan at Nottingham Forest but only made 10 appearances.

After making his debut for Ajax as a late substitute away to AZ Alkmaar, the 29-year-old was handed his first start against Sittard. With less than three minutes on the clock, Zinchenko went down after injuring his left knee and had to be helped off the pitch.

Ajax have now confirmed that their new signing will require surgery. In a statement issued on Monday, the Dutch club said: “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.”

Zinchenko will also miss Ukraine’s World Cup play-off campaign next month and should his country progress, he’ll likely miss the tournament.