Trabzonspor’s Paul Onuachu return remains doubtful for Rizespor match

Trabzonspor manager Thomas Reis says the club’s Turkish Super Lig fixture against Rizespor on Monday, October, may come too soon for Paul Onuachu, but hopes the Nigerian striker will be available soon afterwards.

Onuachu has missed Trabzonspor’s past two matches after suffering an injury in the club’s 4-2 UEFA Conference League win over Finnish side KuPS on Thursday, October 15.

The 32-year-old started the match and put Trabzonspor ahead in the third minute. However, he was forced to leave the field seven minutes later after sustaining the injury.

Since then, Onuachu has been absent for Trabzonspor’s 2-0 league victory against Besiktas and their 2-0 UEFA Conference League win over Scottish side Hearts on Thursday, October 22.

Speaking after the victory against Hearts, Reis indicated that Onuachu’s participation against Rizespor remains uncertain. The manager suggested the match could arrive too soon for the striker to start, while stopping short of ruling out his involvement in the squad.

“Regarding Paul Onuachu, I can say this: The Rizespor match might be a little early for him. It might be too early for him to start, but I hope he will be with us here after the Rizespor match,” he said, as quoted by Nirvanahaber.

Reis also provided an update on Mustafa, saying: “We expect Mustafa to be in the squad starting with the Rizespor match. I hope he will also be back with us in his best form as soon as possible”.

The comments leave Onuachu’s recovery timetable unclear, with Reis offering no confirmed date for the forward’s return. His immediate involvement against Rizespor will depend on how he responds during his rehabilitation and preparation for the match.

Onuachu has been an important attacking option for Trabzonspor since the beginning of the season. He has scored three goals in 11 appearances across all competitions, including the early effort against KuPS before his injury.

Trabzonspor will continue to assess the striker ahead of the next league fixture. While he may not be ready to start against Rizespor, Reis is hopeful Onuachu can rejoin the team after that match and return to full fitness soon.