Southampton coach Russell Martin hopes Paul Onuachu’s injury in their teeth-gnashing 3-2 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday was just fatigue, just as he admitted to the Nigerian striker’s tremendous quality at the club this season, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The 30-year-old got his first start for the club this season against the Reds and dazzled fans at St Mary’s with his technical ability before he was taken off due to injury.
Onuachu had to come off in the 52nd minute of the game after a challenge from Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo. The injury occurred shortly after halftime when Onuachu was charging down the field and Gakpo attempted to impede his progress, resulting in a trip that appeared soft but ultimately led to Onuachu’s premature exit from the match.
While reflecting on the game, the Saints boss is hopeful Onuachu was just suffering from fatigue as they await further updates on the striker.
“Paul probably deserved to start before now, the way he’s trained – he’s been so good,” Russell said via Daily Echo.
“He was really good so I hope his injury is nothing too serious. It’s just a bit of fatigue but I thought he played really, really well.”
The Saints, who are five points off safety at the bottom of the table, are back in action on Friday, November 29, as they visit high-flying Brighton & Hove Albion.
Onuachu joined Southampton from Genk in January 2023 but was unable to replicate his impressive goal-scoring form in England before moving to Turkish side Trabzonspor on loan and rediscovered his form.
He has made six EPL appearances this season with the game against Liverpool marking his first start this campaign.
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