Free Agent Oleksandr Zinchenko Returns to Ajax for Knee Injury Recovery
Free agent defender Oleksandr Zinchenko has returned to training with Ajax to complete his rehabilitation from a severe knee injury. The 29-year-old Ukrainian international is utilizing the Dutch club’s Amsterdam facilities to finalize his fitness recovery without holding a formal playing contract.
Eredivisie Facilities Support Unattached Defender’s Rehabilitation
Zinchenko’s access to first-team training mechanics enables him to work directly alongside club medical staff without taking up an official squad registration slot. The informal arrangement follows the expiration of his previous short-term deal on June 30, which was halted prematurely when he suffered a serious knee injury in his second match against Fortuna Sittard.
Oleksandr Zinchenko
playerThe former Arsenal defender spent part of the 2025/26 campaign on loan at Nottingham Forest before moving to the Netherlands, having recorded 91 appearances, three goals, and five assists during his tenure in London. Re-entering the training pitch in Amsterdam gives the full-back a structured environment to build condition as he targets a complete return to full fitness.
“I would like to say a massive thank you to Jordi Cruijff, coach Michel Sanchez and everyone at Ajax for giving me the opportunity to complete my rehabilitation and get back on track,” Zinchenko said. “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.”
Information in this report was confirmed by Ajax.
Q1: Has Oleksandr Zinchenko signed a new contract with Ajax? A1: No, Zinchenko is training with Ajax strictly as a free agent to complete his injury recovery and has not signed a new formal playing contract. Q2: What injury did Oleksandr Zinchenko suffer at Ajax? A2: Zinchenko suffered a severe knee injury during his second appearance for Ajax against Fortuna Sittard. Q3: Which clubs did Oleksandr Zinchenko play for prior to his Ajax stint? A3: Zinchenko spent seasons with Arsenal, where he made 91 total appearances, and had a loan spell with