Southampton manager Russell Martin has been handed a huge boost ahead of their Premier League match against Brighton and Hove Albion on Friday, Afrosport reports.
Martin, 38, believes that Nigeria international Paul Onuachu will be available to face the Seagulls, allaying any fears of a long-term problem for the lanky forward, who sustained an injury in their 3-2 loss to Liverpool at the St. Mary’s Stadium last weekend.
Onuachu impressed in his first start for Southampton this campaign, but the Super Eagles forward was replaced in the 52nd minute by Leslie Ugochuwku following a tackle from Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo.
Although reports suggested Onuachu would be out for a while, Martin revealed the injury was just a minor one and is optimistic that the striker will make it for the trip to Brighton.
“Adam’s [Lallana] out and Paul’s being assessed, so fingers crossed that big Paul will come through all right,” Martin stated in his post-match conference. “It’s not a bad injury at all, which is good news for us.
“It’s just a niggle so hopefully we can manage that and he can be involved. Paul did brilliantly and he seems to be fine, recovering quite nicely.
“We had it scanned straight away because it was a bit of a worry. He had a brilliant impact because he brings something completely different. He’s had to work so hard to get used to what we want from him.
“With Paul, a lot of it was trying to get him to do a bit less and be really effective in what we were asking him to do and he’s so willing to work hard and improve,” the Scottish coach added. “He’s been desperate to play so I’m pleased for him but now we need to try and get him on the pitch tomorrow if we can and if not as soon as we possibly can”
Onuachu, who joined Southampton in February 2023, has recorded six appearances for the Saints in the Premier League this season but has yet to find the back of the net.
Southampton are currently bottom of the Premier League standings with four points after 12 matches, and they will be looking to kickstart their campaign with a win at the Amex Stadium against Brighton.
