Ajax have confirmed that former Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko has returned to training with the club as he continues his recovery from a serious knee injury.
Zinchenko’s contract with the Dutch club expired at the end of last season, but they allowed him to use their facilities to continue his rehabilitation.
The 29-year-old Ukrainian left Arsenal in February 2026. He made 91 appearances for the club, notching three goals and five assists.
Zinchenko struggled for regular playing time during a loan spell at Nottingham Forest in the 2025/26 season.
His time at the City Ground was cut short before he moved to the Netherlands to join Ajax on a short-term deal. However, his time in Amsterdam was also disrupted by injury.
The Ukrainian international suffered a serious knee problem during his second appearance for Ajax against Fortuna Sittard, bringing his season to an early end.
His contract subsequently expired on June 30, making him a free agent. The club confirmed on social media that the former Arsenal player had returned to training with the first-team squad.
His current arrangement is not a formal playing contract, meaning he has not yet committed his future to the Dutch club.
Zinchenko thanked Ajax for supporting him throughout his recovery.
“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,” 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.”
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