Paul Onuachu injury update: How long will Super Eagles star be out for Trabzonspor?

Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu faces an uncertain spell on the sidelines after suffering an injury shortly after scoring for Trabzonspor in their UEFA Conference League clash against KuPS Kuopio on Thursday.

The Nigerian forward made an impressive start to the encounter in Finland, finding the net early to give Trabzonspor the advantage. However, his promising performance was cut short by the injury, which forced him out of the club’s 4-2 win.

Trabzonspor are yet to establish a confirmed return date for the 32-year-old, leaving supporters waiting for further details about the severity of the problem.

Thomas Reis provides Paul Onuachu injury update

Trabzonspor coach Thomas Reis has expressed his disappointment over Paul Onuachu’s injury but remained hopeful that the Nigerian would recover quickly and return to action.

Reis praised the striker’s commitment in training and his contribution to the match before the setback interrupted his performance.

“Specifically speaking, Onuachu was very unlucky. He’s a player who works very well in training. He started the match well and scored a nice goal. It’s a very unfortunate injury,” the coach said per Cumhuriyet.

“I hope he will return soon. Injuries are not an excuse for us, we cannot make excuses. Injuries are an opportunity for other players. I hope it won’t last too long and he will rejoin us soon.”

Although Reis offered encouragement, he did not disclose the nature of the injury or provide a specific recovery timeline.

Consequently, it remains unclear whether Onuachu, who is on the radar of Fenerbahçe, will miss one match or face a longer spell out of action. Further medical assessments should provide a clearer picture of his condition.

How many games could Paul Onuachu miss?

The injury comes at an important stage of Trabzonspor’s campaign, with the club needing its leading attacking options available for domestic and European commitments. Interestingly, Onuachu is no longer assured a guaranteed starting spot under Reis’ Trabzonspor.

This October, Trabzonspor are scheduled to still face Scottish side Hearts, a match that is sandwiched between league games against Besiktas and Rizespor.

Onuachu’s setback could also concern Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle as he prepares for the Super Eagles’ next international assignments.

Nigeria are scheduled to face Tanzania home and away on November 11 and 15 in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Onuachu missed Nigeria’s September and October fixtures, making his potential availability for the November double-header an important consideration.

If his recovery extends into next month, Chelle would need to assess alternative attacking options, with Victor Osimhen, George Ilenikhena, Akor Adams, Kelechi Iheanacho all ahead of Onuachu in the pecking order.