Paul Onuachu Doubtful for Southampton vs West Ham Due to Ankle Injury

Southampton’s interim manager Simon Rusk has said that Paul Onuachu may miss this weekend’s match against West Ham because of a minor ankle injury.

The Super Eagles striker has had a mixed season at Southampton. He found it hard to get game time at the start of the campaign, but things began to improve earlier this year.

Still, his return to the team didn’t change much, as Southampton were relegated following their defeat to Tottenham two weeks ago. Onuachu came off the bench in that match and played only 17 minutes, unable to help the team.

In their 3-0 loss to Aston Villa last weekend, Onuachu started the match but had to be taken off at half-time due to injury. As a result, he is now a doubt for their next Premier League fixture against West Ham.

Speaking ahead of the game, Rusk said:

“When a player has had a stop-start season, it can be really difficult. We’re all happy Paul is now having a consistent run of training and game time, building his minutes from the bench – and we hope that continues.

“The goal is to get him fit enough to start games regularly – that’s what we want, and it’s what he should aim for.”

Will Paul Onuachu Stay at Southampton?
With Southampton’s relegation confirmed, the club may have to let go of some players in the summer. Onuachu is among those who could leave, as he has been linked with Turkish clubs like Besiktas and Trabzonspor, although no official move has happened yet.

Onuachu, who previously spent time on loan at Trabzonspor, has seen his market value drop, which could make him more attractive to Turkish sides.

Despite the injury, the Super Eagles forward is expected to return to action before the end of the season. If his ankle improves, he might feature again this weekend or the following one.