Trabzonspor fear Paul Onuachu will miss Besiktas match with injury

Trabzonspor are expected to be without striker Paul Onuachu for Monday’s Turkish Super Lig meeting with Besiktas after he suffered a muscle injury in Thursday’s 4-2 UEFA Conference League win over KuPS.

The Nigeria international gave Trabzonspor the lead in the third minute at Papara Park, but his involvement ended seven minutes later when he was forced off with the injury.

The 32-year-old has started treatment, according to Turkish publication Fanatik, but is considered unlikely to recover in time for the Matchday Eight fixture.

Sabah has also reported that Onuachu is expected to miss the match, leaving Trabzonspor facing a potential change to their attacking plans for one of the season’s most anticipated fixtures.

Manager Thomas Reis is reportedly assessing Franculino Dju as a possible replacement in the starting XI if Onuachu is not declared fit.

The Guinea-Bissau international began the KuPS match on the bench, but could be given an opportunity against Besiktas should Onuachu fail to recover in time.

Dju has previously drawn attention in Nigeria after scoring against the Super Eagles during their most recent 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Onuachu has played 10 matches in all competitions for Trabzonspor this season, recording 590 minutes and scoring three goals.

His absence would leave Trabzonspor without one of their principal attacking options for the visit of Besiktas. The club’s final decision on his involvement will depend on how he responds to treatment before Monday’s match.