Trabzonspor have been dealt a double injury blow ahead of their Super Lig meeting with Kasimpasa, with Nigerian duo Anthony Nwakaeme and Paul Onuachu both facing time on the sidelines, Footynaija.com reports.
Nwakaeme, 36, suffered a hamstring injury late in Monday night’s 1-0 win over newly promoted side Kocaelispor. The veteran forward pulled up in the 84th minute and was replaced by Arif Bosluk, with scans later confirming a muscle tear. He is expected to be out for around two months, a significant setback for a player still regarded as one of Trabzonspor’s most influential figures.
The injury comes just as Nwakaeme had re-established himself in the starting line-up, following a key role in the club’s historic 2021/22 title triumph. His absence leaves a gap in attack as Trabzonspor aim to challenge for silverware once again.
Onuachu, meanwhile, is doubtful for the upcoming fixture after sustaining a mild strain to the external lateral ligament in his right knee.
The Super Eagles striker was the match-winner against Kocaelispor, heading home the decisive goal in the 49th minute on his debut following his move from Southampton.
The 29-year-old missed Thursday’s training session alongside Nwakaeme and winger Oleksandr Zubkov, who also picked up a knock in the season opener. Trabzonspor medical staff will assess Onuachu further before deciding if he can feature in the next match.
Should Onuachu miss out, Trabzonspor will be without three starters from their opening-day victory, a situation that could test their squad depth early in the season.