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Ex-Arsenal fullback Zinchenko continues rehab at Ajax after release

·By Paul Vegas
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Ex-Arsenal fullback Zinchenko continues rehab at Ajax after release

Ajax/X.com

Oleksandr Zinchenko is continuing his rehabilitation at Ajax after the Dutch club gave the former Arsenal and Manchester City player permission to complete the final stage of his recovery in Amsterdam.

Ajax confirmed that the 29-year-old is currently without a club but will use the club’s De Toekomst training complex as he works towards full fitness. His return to the training base does not represent a new playing contract, and Ajax have not announced whether he could be offered fresh terms.

Zinchenko joined Ajax on a six-month deal in the winter of 2026 after leaving Arsenal. His time in the Netherlands was disrupted by a serious knee injury sustained during a match against Fortuna Sittard in February, limiting him to two appearances for the club.

His contract expired at the end of June, leaving him without a team while he continued his recovery. Ajax’s decision to let him use their facilities gives the Ukraine international a familiar environment in which to complete his rehabilitation, but his next career move remains uncertain.

Zinchenko expressed his gratitude to the club for allowing him to continue his recovery in Amsterdam, specifically thanking director Jordi Cruijff, head coach Míchel Sánchez and the wider staff.

“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.”

The defender’s immediate priority is to regain full fitness after a difficult spell that interrupted his attempt to establish himself at Ajax. The club’s announcement makes clear that he has been given the opportunity to finish his rehabilitation, rather than confirming a return to competitive football with the Amsterdam side.

Whether the arrangement leads to a longer-term future at Ajax remains to be seen. For now, Zinchenko is focused on completing his recovery and putting himself in a position to resume his playing career.