Onuachu Faces Four-Week Layoff After Ankle Injury in Pre-Season Clash

Trabzonspor have been dealt an early setback ahead of the new season with Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu ruled out for up to four weeks after suffering an ankle injury during a pre-season friendly.

The 31-year-old, who recently sealed a permanent move from Southampton, picked up the injury in a warm-up match against Azerbaijani side Araz Nakhchivan.

According to a medical update released by the club and cited by AbcGazetesi, Onuachu sustained significant swelling and partial ligament damage in his left ankle.

Trabzonspor’s head of medical services, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Beşir, confirmed the diagnosis, saying: “Following the trauma, we observed intense oedema in the bones of Onuachu’s left ankle, along with partial ligament injury. Treatment has already begun.”

The injury comes as a major blow to Trabzonspor fans, who had welcomed the towering forward back to the club following an extended transfer saga. Onuachu rejoined the Turkish Super Lig side on a three-year deal earlier this month after a prolific loan spell during the 2023/24 season, where he netted 17 goals in 25 appearances.

Although he ended last season as Southampton’s top scorer in the Premier League with four goals in 25 outings, it wasn’t enough to prevent the club’s relegation to the Championship.

The Super Eagles striker was reportedly courted by several top European clubs, including Rennes, but chose a return to the Black Sea club where he had previously thrived.

His current injury is expected to sideline him for the start of the new campaign, with Trabzonspor’s opening fixture against newly-promoted Kocaelispor on August 11 among the games he is likely to miss. He could also be absent for upcoming league encounters against Kasimpasa, Antalyaspor, and Samsunspor.