Southampton striker Paul Onuachu is in a race against time to be fit for today’s showdown with Tottenham Hotspur, following an ankle injury sustained during the Saints’ midweek 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace.
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The 30 year old Nigerian was substituted late in that game and subsequently missed a training session, raising doubts about his availability for the trip to North London. Onuachu has been in good form for Southampton, netting four goals in nine league starts since joining the club.
Southampton boss Ivan Juric acknowledged the injury concern, though he did confirm that Chelsea loanee Lesley Ugochukwu, who was also subbed in the Palace fixture, is fit and available. Interestingly, Ugochukwu is reportedly on the radar of Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle.
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Editorial
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Paul Onuachu’s potential absence could not have come at a worse time for Southampton. In a season where goals have been hard to come by, the towering Nigerian has proven to be a valuable asset in the final third. His physicality, aerial threat, and poacher’s instinct have given Southampton an edge, especially against more dominant sides.
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The fixture against Tottenham is one of the club’s most high stakes encounters in their campaign to avoid relegation or to push higher up the table, depending on current standings. Losing a key striker before such a fixture not only weakens the team tactically but can also dampen morale.
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Onuachu’s injury scare also highlights the fragile nature of squad depth in many Premier League clubs outside the traditional top six. Southampton will need to adapt quickly if he is ruled out, either by deploying a false nine or turning to less experienced options on the bench.
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We hope Onuachu recovers in time, not just for Southampton’s sake, but also with an eye on national team duties. As one of the most consistent Nigerian strikers in Europe, his fitness is crucial for the Super Eagles' upcoming fixtures. His return to full form would be a welcome boost for both club and country.
Did You Know?
Paul Onuachu once scored 33 goals in a single season for Genk in the Belgian Pro League 2020–21.
He made his Super Eagles debut in 2019, [scoring](https://mineralis-wiki.minesparis.psl.eu/index.php?title=Utilisateur:SaulDeChair) with his first touch against Egypt in under ten seconds.
Standing at 6 ft 7 in 2.01m, Onuachu is one of the tallest outfield players in top-flight European football.
Before Southampton, he had spells in Denmark Midtjylland and Belgium Genk, and is known for his high shot conversion rate.
His Premier League goal against Manchester City in February 2025 was voted Southampton’s Goal of the Month.