Paul Onuachu has sustained an ankle injury during a pre-season friendly, a setback that could rule the Nigerian striker out for up to four weeks—posing an early challenge for Trabzonspor ahead of the new season.
The 31-year-old, who only recently made his permanent switch from Southampton to the Turkish club, picked up the injury in a warm-up game against Azerbaijani side Araz Nakhchivan.
According to a medical update released via AbcGazetesi, Trabzonspor’s medical team confirmed “intense swelling” in Onuachu’s left ankle, along with partial ligament damage. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Beşir, head of the club’s health board, noted:
“Due to the impact, intense oedema was detected in Onuachu’s left ankle bones and partial injury to his ankle ligaments. Our medical team has begun treatment.”
The news comes as a major disappointment to Trabzonspor fans, who had welcomed Onuachu back with enthusiasm after a long-drawn transfer saga. He signed a three-year deal with the club earlier this month, returning to the Black Sea side following a successful loan spell in the 2023/24 season, during which he netted 17 goals in 25 appearances and became a fan favourite.
Although he finished as Southampton’s top scorer last season with four goals in 25 Premier League appearances, Onuachu couldn’t prevent the club’s drop to the Championship. Reports suggest he turned down offers from top European sides, including French outfit Rennes, in favour of rejoining Trabzonspor—a club he said he was excited to return to.
The injury is expected to keep him out of the team’s season opener against newly-promoted Kocaelispor on August 11. He could also miss further league games against Kasimpasa, Antalyaspor, and Samsunspor as he undergoes recovery.
