Nightmare for Ajax: Oleksandr Zinchenko ruled out for rest of the season

Oleksandr Zinchenko (2-L) has been ruled out for the rest of the season
Oleksandr Zinchenko (2-L) has been ruled out for the rest of the seasonPro Shots Photo Agency / ddp USA / Profimedia

Ajax have confirmed that a severe knee injury has ruled out left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko for the rest of the season, shortly after arriving from Arsenal.

Zinchenko, 29, suffered the injury in the third minute of Saturday's 4-1 Eredivisie win over Fortuna Sittard. The Ukrainian defender was fouled by Fortuna winger Dimitris Limnios, whose tackle made Zinchenko's leg buckle.

"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 club said in a statement on Monday.

The injury also means Zinchenko would miss the upcoming FIFA World Cup with Ukraine, who were drawn against Sweden and Poland/Albania in the World Cup play-offs in March.

The experienced left-back arrived from Arsenal in the last week of January and signed a short-term deal in Amsterdam, where his contract will run out in the coming summer. The six-month contract allowed new technical director Jordi Cruyff to examine whether or not Zinchenko would be given a longer contract.

Zinchenko debuted for Ajax on February 8th against AZ, playing 15 minutes in Ajax's 1-1 draw in Alkmaar. Against Fortuna Sittard, Zinchenko was taken off after just six minutes.

Ajax are currently in third place in the Eredivisie, 17 points behind league leaders PSV.

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