Paul Onuachu’s fitness status revealed ahead of big Trabzonspor vs Galatasaray clash

Paul Onuachu celebrates goal for Trabzonspor. (Picture credit: Trabbzonspor/X)

Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu has been a source of concern for Trabzonspor over the past week due to his fitness, and fresh updates have now emerged, Soccernet.ng reports.

​The Nigerian forward won the Süper Lig Golden Boot last season after netting 22 goals in 30 appearances, but he has endured a slow start to the current campaign. His first goals of the season arrived on matchday four, when Trabzonspor thrashed Gençlerbirliği 5–0.

​Although Onuachu scored a brace in that encounter, it came at the cost of an injury that forced him off after just 44 minutes. The issue was initially downplayed, and he returned to play the full 90 minutes against Konyaspor the following week.

​However, eyebrows were raised again this week when the 32-year-old was absent from training. While club photos shared across social media featured teammates like Mohamed Salah, Djú Franculino, and fellow Nigerian Chibuike Nwaiwu, Onuachu was nowhere to be seen.

​Reports confirmed this afternoon that the striker has suffered an injury setback and faces a spell on the sidelines.

As a result, he is reportedly ruled out of Trabzonspor’s marquee clash against Galatasaray this weekend — a major blow for the club, as Onuachu is their focal point in attack and familiar with the intensity of facing Galatasaray, unlike new arrival Franculino, who is still adapting to Turkish football.

Soccer ​Will Paul Onuachu Miss the International Break?

​Following this setback, Onuachu is also unlikely to feature for Nigeria during the upcoming international window.

​He typically serves as the primary alternative whenever Victor Osimhen is unavailable. With the Galatasaray star also sidelined, Onuachu would have been manager Éric Chelle’s most probable replacement to lead the line.

​Chelle may now have to adapt his plans, though alternatives such as Rafiu Durosinmi, Gift Orban, and Kelechi Iheanacho remain at his disposal.

​While the exact nature of Onuachu’s injury remains unconfirmed, it is suspected to be muscular. Depending on the severity, he could return to action following the international break.

Kelvin Omachonu

Kelvin Omachonu is a professional football columnist and sports writer with over half a decade of experience covering major events and delivering captivating, analytically-driven stories.
A graduate of the University of Ibadan, he is fueled by a profound dedication to sports journalism and the beautiful game. His insights have previously been featured in respected outlets, including IndyPress UI, UCJ UI Newshive NG, Sportpremi, and a few others.
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