Nigeria international Paul Onuachu has recovered from the injury that has kept him away from action for almost two months.
Onuachu suffered an injury in late February during Trabzonspor’s 1-0 victory against Istanbul Basaksehir in the quarter-finals of the Turkish Cup. The 29-year-old was named in the starting line-up but couldn’t complete the game after complaining of discomfort.
The club later confirmed he would be out of action for one month, making him one of many Super Eagles stars who suffered injuries following the conclusion of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in the Ivory Coast, where Nigeria were losing finalists.
Although Onuachu was sparingly used by Jose Peseiro and didn’t start any game during the tournament, he appears to have been affected by the post-AFCON exertions. Onuachu was initially expected to miss just four weeks of action but he hasn’t kicked a ball in nearly two months. However, the striker is now set to make a return this weekend.
Onuachu in Tranzonspor squad to face Kayserispor
Onuachu has been named in Tranzonspor’s matchday squad for their league game against Kayserispor after recovering from injury. Since joining the Turkish club on loan from English Championship side Southampton, the Nigerian has rediscovered his best form.
Onuachu has scored nine goals and provided three assists for Tranzonspor this season, making him one of the club’s top scorers. He has also become a fan favourite as the club aims to secure a European spot for the next season.
The former Genk striker’s return from injury also comes as a huge boost to Trabzonspor, who are currently short on options upfront. The club announced earlier in the week that Mahmoud Trezeguet won’t be part of the squad for this weekend’s game. The Egyptian forward is one of the few players in the team with more goal contributions than Onuachu, having scored 11 goals and provided four assists in all competitions.
While Onuachu is only returning from injury and needs time to regain match fitness, he could be handed a start against Kayserispor due to Trezeguet’s unavailability. The Nigeria international was a starter before he joined his country for the AFCON and started in the last game he played before getting injured.
For a player who hasn’t kicked a ball in nearly two months, it’ll be a gamble if manager Abdullah Avcı named him in the starting line-up for this weekend’s game but that cannot be entirely ruled out due to the club’s injury crisis in the attacking department.
Southampton slap €15 million price tag on Onuachu
Meanwhile, a big summer awaits Onuachu, who would have to stay at Trabzonspor or return to his parent club Southampton following the expiration of his loan deal.
The striker joined the Saints from Belgian side Genk in February 2023 in a deal €21million. However, his stint with Southampton didn’t go too well, as he played only 404 minutes and failed to register a single goal.
This saw the English side cut its losses following their relegation to the Championship, with Onuachu securing a loan move to Trabzonspor. So far, the forward has done well for himself in Turkey and Trabzonspor are said to be interested him signing him permanently.
According to This Day Live, though, Southampton have slapped a €15 million price tag on the striker, which Trabzonspor would have to pay to make the move permanent. Meanwhile, Onuachu has never hidden his desire to stay in Turkey.
In a recent interview, he was quoted as saying by Saints Socialite: “I am very happy in Trabzon. My family and I want to stay here.” It, however, remains to be seen whether Trabzonspor would be able to meet Southampton’s valuation of the player.
