Paul Onuachu has suffered an ankle injury during a pre-season friendly that could sideline the Nigerian striker for up to four weeks, dealing Trabzonspor a significant early-season blow.

The 31-year-old frontman, who only recently completed his permanent move from Southampton, sustained the injury in a warm-up match against Azerbaijani side Araz Nakhchivan.

According to a statement released by Trabzonspor’s medical team via AbcGazetesi, tests revealed “intense swelling” in his left ankle along with partial ligament damage.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Beşir, head of the club’s health board, confirmed the development, stating, “Due to the impact, intense oedema was detected in Onuachu’s left ankle bones and partial injury to his ankle ligaments. Our medical team has begun treatment.”

The injury represents a bitter blow for Trabzonspor supporters, who had celebrated Onuachu’s return following a protracted transfer saga that dragged on for several weeks.

The towering striker had finalised his three-year permanent deal with the Turkish Super Lig outfit only earlier this month, marking his second adventure at the Black Sea club after a successful loan spell during the 2023/24 campaign.

Onuachu had scored 17 goals in 25 matches during that previous stint, establishing himself as a fan favourite before returning to Southampton for the 2024-25 Premier League season.

Despite finishing as Southampton’s top scorer in the Premier League with four goals across 25 appearances, his efforts could not prevent the Saints’ relegation to the Championship.

The Nigeria international had reportedly rejected advances from several top European clubs, including French side Rennes, to reunite with his beloved Trabzonspor, where he had expressed his excitement about returning.

His injury now threatens to keep him out of the club’s opening fixtures of the new campaign, including their season curtain-raiser against newly-promoted Kocaelispor on August 11.

The striker is also likely to miss subsequent matches against Kasimpasa, Antalyaspor, and Samsunspor as he recovers from the ankle problem.