Ivan Juric confesses Southampton hero's weekend participation lies in jeopardy | OneFootball

Paul Onuachu is by far Southampton's most reliant player nowadays. But Ivan Juric's fatigue claims may see Onuachu unable to make Sunday's visiting team sheet.

Until the match officials announced the stoppage-time, everything was going according to Southampton's plan. The Saints had avoided succumbing to a couple of quick goals, took their hard-earned lead and were minutes away from arguably wrapping up a statement Premier League victory.

But somehow, their old flaws came to haunt them again and spoil their soon-to-be partying atmosphere.

As has been the case with Southampton, worries have always piled up all at once regardless of the often under-rewarded hard work they put in. Now, Flynn Downes' upcoming absence must be there at the back of the fans' minds but Paul Onuachu's work ethic is sure to go unnoticed.

Onuachu could be advised to avoid the Tottenham challenge

Honestly, Onuachu's astounding athleticism isn't a secret and the 30-year-old must be following intense practice routines to maintain his playing level. After all, those consistent efforts are well reflected whenever he leap-frogs Southampton into gaining the lead.

On the other hand, there are fitness downsides as well which can restrict Onuachu from playing consecutive challenging games.

At the moment, the next fixture is a Tottenham trip and the red-hot rhythm striker may be recommended to not risk any major fatigue there.

Subsequently, Onuachu's weekend participation remains in jeopardy and even Ivan Juric is running short of answers here. In his own words, Juric was quoted by the Daily Echo: "I hope so, sometimes he needs a little bit of time to physically recover after the matches because he is so tall, we will see tomorrow."

If Onuachu gets back to top shape, Southampton can fancy their hopes of splitting the points from Ange Postecoglou's side. Apart from that, resolute defending can turn out to be the visitor's only opportunity to continue boosting their points tally.