Nigerian international Paul Onuachu is on course for a rapid return to the Trabzonspor squad, according to reports, after medical assessments cleared the striker of any significant injury following a muscle problem sustained during a training session.
Scans returned reassuring results, with no serious damage identified. Onuachu has since received treatment for dehydration and is reported to be in stable condition, paving the way for a swift recovery ahead of a pivotal stretch of fixtures for the Turkish club.
The 29-year-old had been absent for Trabzonspor’s recent Super Lig outing against Alanyaspor, a miss that heightened concern among supporters and the coaching staff given how central he has been to the side’s attacking play this season. Manager Fatih Tekke is reportedly set to welcome back not only Onuachu but also Arbnor Muçi and Arseniy Batagov, with all three players expected to return to full training in the coming days.
Onuachu’s availability for the fixture against İstanbul Başakşehir this weekend would represent a timely reprieve for a Trabzonspor side chasing an unlikely Super Lig title. The Black Sea club have collected just five points from their last four league matches, a run that illustrates the extent to which their fortunes are tied to the Nigerian forward’s availability.
The significance of his return is underscored by his remarkable individual statistics. Despite missing a number of matches through injury, suspension, and international commitments with the Super Eagles, Onuachu remains the leading scorer in the Turkish Süper Lig this season with 22 goals — four clear of Uzbekistan international Eldor Shomurodov in the race for the Golden Boot.
Onuachu joined Trabzonspor on a permanent basis after an earlier loan spell and has established himself as one of the most productive forwards in the Turkish top flight. His physical profile — standing at 2.01 metres — makes him a consistent aerial and hold-up threat, and his goal return this season represents the best form of his career at club level. The Super Eagles have also benefited from his domestic performances, with Onuachu a regular fixture in Nigeria’s squad for World Cup qualifying fixtures.
With the Super Lig title race entering its decisive phase and Trabzonspor needing to close the gap on the teams above them, the timing of Onuachu’s expected recovery carries significant implications. A return to full fitness ahead of the İstanbul Başakşehir match would give Tekke’s side their most potent attacking option at a moment when results are running out.
