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Southampton head coach Russell Martin has reassured fans that Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu’s injury during their 3-2 loss to Liverpool on Sunday may not be as serious as initially feared.
Onuachu was handed his first Premier League start of the season in the clash at St. Mary’s Stadium, an opportunity the Nigerian striker had long awaited to prove his worth.
Unfortunately, his outing was cut short in the second half when he went down clutching his knee, raising concerns about a potential anterior cruciate ligament, ACL injury.
Before his substitution, Onuachu delivered an impressive performance. In the first half, he recorded more dribbles than the entire Liverpool team, showcasing his technical ability.
He also contributed defensively, helping to withstand Liverpool’s relentless pressure.
Despite his early exit, Southampton manager Russell Martin praised the striker’s display and suggested that fatigue, rather than a severe injury, may have been the issue.
“Paul probably deserved to start before now, the way he’s trained – he’s been so good.
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,” Martin said after the game.
Onuachu’s strong performance in his first start could provide a platform for more opportunities as Southampton look to climb the Premier League table.
Fans will hope for a swift recovery, as the Nigerian striker continues to fight for a consistent role in the team.