Oleksandr Zinchenko has been ruled out for the season after suffering a serious knee injury.
The Ukraine international, who recently joined Ajax from Arsenal, was taken off inside six minutes on just his second game for the Eredivisie side.
He had moved to the Netherlands after spending the first half of the campaign at Nottingham Forest.
Now, the former Arsenal man will be out for the remainder of this term, with Ajax confirming his injury in a statement on Monday.
“Oleksandr Zinchenko has been ruled out for an extended period,” it read.
“The defender suffered a knee injury last weekend in the early stages of the home match with Fortuna Sittard at the Johan Cruijff ArenA.
“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.”
Zinchenko had played just one match for Ajax since his arrival in Amsterdam, coming off the bench for 14 minutes in the 1-1 draw at AZ Alkmaar.
Making his first start for his new side against Fortuna Sittard, however, Zinchenko was forced off after six minutes following a challenge with Dimitrios Limnios.
It seems unlikely that Zinchenko will play for Ajax again, and with his contract in the Netherlands due to expire this summer, at the end of June.
The left-back is expected to miss his country’s World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final against Sweden next month, and he could miss the tournament itself should he fail to recover in time and Ukraine reach the main draw.
