Oleksandr Zinchenko was injured in Nottingham Forest’s Europa League match against Porto and had to be substituted at the end of the first half.
Oleksandr Zinchenko was visibly shaken after being forced off injured in Nottingham Forest’s game against Porto on Thursday night.
Zinchenko appeared to have injured his groin and was replaced in the 45th minute by Nicola Savona. The Ukraine international, on loan from Arsenal, appeared to be in tears with his shirt pulled up over his face as he left with medical staff.
The left-back made his sixth appearance of the season in Forest’s third game under manager Sean Dyche. Forest were well on their way until Morgan Gibbs-White’s penalty after a handball from Jan Bednarek gave them a 1-0 lead at half-time.
However, Zinchenko’s injury was an early blow for Dyche, who is playing his first game as manager after replacing Ange Postecoglou.
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The full-back joined Forest on a season-long loan on transfer deadline day. The 28-year-old made just 15 Premier League appearances for the Gunners last season, most of them coming from the bench, and has moved on in search of more regular first-team football.
Zinchenko signed for Nuno Espirito Santo, but the Portuguese manager was sacked after just eight days, and owner Evangelos Marinakis appointed former Tottenham manager Postecoglou, leaving the Australian manager in charge for just 39 days.
It remains to be seen how serious Zinchenko’s injury is, but it is certain that despite the excitement at the time of signing, his move still hasn’t worked out. “It’s an unbelievable feeling,” he said at the time. “I have to say a big thank you to everyone for the welcome. There are so many good people around the club and I am very happy.
“It’s a great opportunity. I want to help the team achieve its goals and show myself that I can do good things on the pitch.”
“I remember the day this opportunity came up, and to be honest, I was so happy and excited.”
The Ukraine international is known for playing in both defense and midfield and insists he is happy to do so while at the City Ground.
“I’ve often been asked which position I’m best at, and to be honest, I’m ready to help the team wherever I can and wherever I’m needed, and I’ll always do my best.
“I want to make an impact not only on the pitch, but also off the pitch. It’s important to be part of the team and help the younger players as someone who already has that experience. That way we can push each other to achieve big things.”
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