Paul Onuachu is facing a race against time to be fit for Southampton’s upcoming Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur after sustaining an ankle injury during Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace at St Mary’s.
The Nigerian forward, who scored the Saints’ equaliser in that match, was forced off late in the game and replaced by Yukinari Sugawara in the 89th minute.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Southampton manager Ivan Juric confirmed concerns over the 30-year-old’s fitness, revealing that Onuachu did not participate in training ahead of the weekend fixture.
“Paul has an ankle problem,” Juric stated. “He didn’t train today, but we’ll see tomorrow. We’re monitoring him closely.”
The injury comes at a critical time for Southampton, who are seeking to gather momentum in the final stretch of the season.
Onuachu, who has made 20 league appearances this term, has found the net four times, including Wednesday’s crucial goal against Palace.
While not prolific, the towering striker remains a key physical presence in the Saints’ attack and offers a distinct aerial threat.
Juric, however, was able to deliver more positive news on the fitness front for other squad members. Full-back Ryan Manning and midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu, both of whom were withdrawn during the second half against Crystal Palace, have been cleared to feature against Spurs.
“Manning is fine, Lesley is fine,” the Southampton boss confirmed. “Will Smallbone will return to training tomorrow, which is encouraging.”
Southampton’s preparations for the Tottenham encounter have been overshadowed by Onuachu’s knock, with Juric likely to wait until the final training session before making a decision on his involvement.
Should the Nigerian international be ruled out, the club could turn to Sugawara or explore alternative attacking combinations in a bid to compensate for his absence.
The Saints are currently navigating a demanding fixture list and will be eager to avoid further injuries as the season draws to a close.
The club remains locked in a mid-table battle, and the upcoming meeting with Tottenham presents both a significant challenge and an opportunity to make a statement against one of the division’s higher-ranked sides.
Onuachu, who joined Southampton following successful spells in Belgium and Turkey, has become a fan favourite for his determination and work ethic. His potential absence would be a blow not only tactically but also emotionally, particularly given his goal-scoring impact just days earlier.
Southampton supporters will await Saturday’s team news with bated breath, hoping for a positive update on the fitness of the Nigerian striker.
Meanwhile, Juric and his coaching staff continue to assess their options, aiming to maintain competitive intensity as they approach a decisive period in their campaign.
