Trabzonspor has received a significant fitness boost as star striker Paul Onuachu returned to full team training on Wednesday, clearing the path for his involvement in this weekend’s highly anticipated Istanbul derby. The 31-year-old Nigerian international faced injury concerns after sustaining a minor knock during last Sunday’s 3-0 triumph over Samsunspor. Onuachu’s heroics in that match, which included a brace, earned him Man of the Match honors and solidified his status as the most lethal attacker for the Black Sea Storm.
The towering center-forward currently leads the Turkish Süper Lig scoring charts with an impressive 15 goals this season. His participation in the mid-week session at the Mehmet Ali Yılmaz Facilities indicates he has successfully shaken off the physical strain from the weekend. Coach Fatih Tekke now expects to have his primary offensive weapon available for the critical showdown against second-placed Fenerbahce, as Trabzonspor looks to bridge the gap in the title race.
The upcoming clash carries immense weight for the league standings, with third-placed Trabzonspor currently trailing their Istanbul rivals by four points. A victory on home soil would drastically tighten the race for the top two spots and keep the pressure on league leaders Galatasaray. Given Onuachu’s remarkable consistency and aerial dominance, his presence in the starting lineup provides the tactical focal point necessary to challenge Fenerbahce’s defensive unit.
The spectacle will take place on Saturday at the Papara Park, where a capacity crowd is expected to witness this high-stakes encounter. With the league’s top scorer back in contention, the technical crew aims to capitalize on home-court advantage to secure three vital points. Fans across Nigeria and Turkey eagerly await the official team sheets to confirm if the Super Eagles star will spearhead the attack from the opening whistle.
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