The Ukraine captain managed just five Premier League starts last term under manager Mikel Arteta.
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"Unlike the previous year, injuries weren't the problem," Zinchenko told the Athletic. "A slight calf problem kept me out in September. A few knocks here and there. But for the rest of the season, I was in good shape.
"On a personal level, it was undoubtedly the worst season I've ever had as a professional.
"A player who doesn't play is nothing. It's one thing if your body gives up on you, it can happen. But going from an established player to an unused reserve is much harder to accept.
"The feeling of rejection you feel when your manage no longer believes in you can be debilitating, even if you're the most resilient player on the planet."