Southampton boss insists he likes Onuachu despite omission from six consecutive matchday squads 

Speaking after Southampton defeated Everton in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night, Saints manager Russell Martin has hinted that he could give game time to Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu in the coming games. 

The 30-year-old was missing from the squad yesterday for the sixth consecutive game in all competitions in the new season, raising questions about how much game time he will be afforded by Martin.

Cameron Archer, Adam Armstrong and Ben Brereton Díaz are ahead of Onuachu in the pecking order at the moment, making it difficult to get into the matchday squad or even get game time.

The lanky striker's struggle comes as no surprise as Southampton had attempted to dispose of him in the summer transfer window and were in negotiation with Trabzonspor.

A deal couldn't be struck as Trabzonspor felt that the Premier side was demanding too much for an aging forward, thereby putting paid to the possibility of a deal being struck.

With their inability to get the Nigerian forward a new club before the closure of the transfer window, they had to register him in their Premier League squad for this term, but he hasn't been afforded any opportunity to play.

Asked about the absences of Onuachu and Armel Bella-Kotchap, who has made the matchday squad once this season, after they triumphed over Everton, Martin revealed the reason behind the omission of the duo and stated there could be more opportunity for them to feature in the upcoming games.

"I have to balance the short, medium and long-term plans for the club and who fits the style of play the best," Martin said to told BBC Radio Solent.

" Tonight it's these guys - on Saturday [against Ipswich] it will be someone different. The door isn't shut for anyone. I have to make decisions based off what I think is best for the team and club.

"I like them both. They train hard but I was really honest with them before the transfer window closed and I've been honest with them since it closed." 

Onuachu hasn't featured for the Saints since coming off the bench in a 3-1 loss to Gillingham in August 2023.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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