Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu is a major doubt for Southampton’s Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday (today) after picking up an ankle injury in their midweek game, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The 30-year-old Nigeria international, who has been one of the few bright spots in Saints’ dismal campaign, missed the team’s training session as he continues to struggle with an ankle concern following Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace.

Southampton boss Ivan Juric revealed the striker’s condition at his pre-match press conference, saying, “Paul has a problem with his ankle, today he didn’t train, but we will see tomorrow.”

The Croatian tactician further explained that even if Onuachu is passed fit, tactical considerations might influence his selection decision.

“Crystal Palace was back three and for us he was great, because you can play one-on-one, he keeps the ball, but now play against Tottenham. It’s different because they are a high line and you have to attack space, and maybe it’s better to attack the space with other players,” he said.

Onuachu has been in impressive form recently, scoring his fourth goal in nine Premier League starts against Crystal Palace, a towering header that nearly secured just Southampton’s third league victory of the season before Matheus Franca’s heartbreaking stoppage-time equaliser.

The draw left the Saints teetering on the brink of relegation, and should Southampton lose at Tottenham and Wolverhampton Wanderers beat Ipswich Town on Saturday, Juric’s men will be relegated with seven games left to play, writing an unwanted page of Premier League history in the process.

No team has ever been relegated as early as gameweek 31 before, with the current record jointly held by Derby County (2007/08) and Huddersfield Town (2018/19), who were both consigned to demotion in gameweek 32.

With Onuachu likely sidelined, Cameron Archer is expected to lead the line against Spurs.