Ex-Gunner Zinchenko back in training with Ajax after injury nightmare
Oleksandr Zinchenko is back in training with Ajax's first team squad as he continues his recovery from a serious knee injury, though he remains without an actual contract at the Eredivisie champions.
The Ukrainian left Arsenal in February this year, bringing an end to six years at the Emirates Stadium after joining from Manchester City in 2019. Zinchenko made 69 appearances for the Gunners and scored twice during his time in north London, operating as both a midfielder and a left back under Mikel Arteta.
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His departure from Arsenal was followed by a brief loan spell at Nottingham Forest during the 2025/26 season, where he struggled to establish himself in the first team and was recalled early from the City Ground. He then moved to the Netherlands on a short term deal with Ajax.
Season ending injury
Zinchenko's time at Ajax got off to a disastrous start. He suffered a season ending knee injury in just his second appearance for the club, in a match against Fortuna Sittard. His contract at Ajax subsequently expired at the end of June, leaving the 29 year old without a club.
Despite the expired deal, Ajax have confirmed on their social media channels that Zinchenko has continued his rehabilitation at the club's training base and is now back working with the first team squad. The arrangement does not constitute a new contract, but it allows him to complete his recovery with the Eredivisie champions.
Whether Ajax will offer him fresh terms once he is fit again remains unclear. Zinchenko himself expressed gratitude to the club in a statement posted on Ajax's social media.
“I would like to say a massive thank you to Jordi Cruijff, coach Michel Sánchez and everyone at Ajax for giving me the opportunity to complete my rehabilitation and get back on track,” the statement read. “I'm truly grateful to everyone at the club for the warm welcome and incredible support throughout this journey. It means a lot to me.”
What comes next
Zinchenko's career has taken a difficult turn since leaving Arsenal, with injury problems compounding the struggles he faced to nail down regular football during his loan at Forest. His versatility, able to play across midfield and at left back, made him a useful squad option during his Arsenal years, but persistent fitness issues limited his impact in the latter stages of his time at the club.
For now, the focus for the Ukraine international is simply getting back to full fitness. Any decision over a longer term future at Ajax, or elsewhere, is likely to wait until he has proven his body can hold up again. As reported by the Evening Standard, that process is now firmly under way in Amsterdam.
