Former Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko returns to Ajax training after knee injury

Former Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko has returned to Ajax to complete the final stage of his recovery from a serious knee injury, despite no longer being under contract with the Dutch club.

Ajax confirmed on Wednesday that the 29-year-old Ukraine international has been given permission to continue his rehabilitation at the club's De Toekomst training complex.

Zinchenko has been without a club since his six-month Ajax contract expired on 30 June 2026, and no new playing agreement has been announced.

Zinchenko joined Ajax from Arsenal in February after spending the first half of the 2025–26 season on loan at Nottingham Forest.

However, his spell in Amsterdam was cut short after just two appearances when he suffered a serious knee injury against Fortuna Sittard on 14 February.

The defender was forced off in the opening minutes of the match, with subsequent examinations revealing that surgery was required.

Ajax confirmed at the time that Zinchenko would miss the remainder of the season.

Eight months later, the former Manchester City player has returned to the club's training facilities to complete his recovery.

In a statement published by Ajax, Zinchenko thanked the club for supporting him during his rehabilitation.

"I would like to say a massive thank you to Jordi Cruijff, coach Míchel Sánchez and everyone at Ajax for giving me the opportunity to complete my rehabilitation and get back on track," he 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."

Ajax have confirmed that Zinchenko is completing his rehabilitation at De Toekomst, but have not announced that he has resumed unrestricted first-team training.

Ajax manager Míchel Sánchez welcomed Zinchenko's return to the training complex but acknowledged that his longer-term future remains unresolved.

Speaking at Wednesday's press conference, Sánchez said he was pleased the Ukrainian could continue his recovery in Amsterdam but did not know what would happen afterwards.

Zinchenko remains a free agent following the expiry of his previous agreement.

His return to Ajax is currently a rehabilitation arrangement rather than a new playing contract, and the club have not confirmed whether they intend to offer him another deal.

Zinchenko will continue the final stage of his rehabilitation at Ajax's training complex as he works towards a return to competitive football.

His longer-term future remains undecided, with no new contract announced and Sánchez declining to commit to what might happen after his recovery.