Paul Onuachu out for up to four weeks with ankle injury

Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu has suffered an ankle injury that could sideline him for up to a month, the club confirmed following a pre-season match against Araz Nakhchivan.

Onuachu, 31, sustained the injury during the friendly encounter with the Azerbaijani side. Medical tests conducted afterward revealed significant swelling and partial ligament damage in his left ankle.

“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,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Beşir, head of Trabzonspor’s health board, in a statement quoted by Turkish outlet AbcGazetesi.

The development comes just weeks after Onuachu completed a permanent transfer from Southampton, following a successful loan spell with Trabzonspor in the 2023/24 season. He had scored 17 goals in 25 appearances during that loan stint, prompting the Turkish club to pursue a permanent deal. 

His return to the club was seen as a boost ahead of the 2025/26 Turkish Super Lig campaign. However, the injury now rules him out of the team’s season opener against Kocaelispor on August 11. He is also expected to miss further league matches against Kasimpasa, Antalyaspor, and Samsunspor.

The Nigerian forward had turned down interest from other European clubs, including French Ligue 1 side Rennes, to rejoin Trabzonspor on a three-year contract.

During his time back at Southampton last season, Onuachu scored four goals in 25 Premier League matches. Despite finishing as the club’s top scorer, his contributions were not enough to prevent Southampton’s relegation to the Championship.

Trabzonspor have not provided a specific return date for Onuachu but indicated that recovery will depend on the progression of his treatment in the coming weeks.