Former Chelsea striker to replace Onuachu in starting lineup after Genk coach's update

Paul Onuachu faces up to one month on the sidelines after scans confirmed that he suffered a hamstring injury during the 1-1 draw with Royal Antwerp on Tuesday.

The injury sustained by Onuachu, Nigeria's highest goalscorer in the European Leagues with twelve, saw him left out of the country's final squad list for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

With his first choice striker sidelined, Racing Genk manager Bernd Storck has selected former Chelsea star Ike Ugbo as a replacement for the Super Eagle.

"Ugbo will replace Onuachu . I make no secret of that. When I arrived, I told Iké straight away that he can only play in position 9 for me, but that Onuachu is my number 1 there," Storck told HBVL via Voetbalkrant.

The Canada attacker of Nigerian descent has played second fiddle to Onuachu since his summer move from Chelsea, making six starts in all competitions.

"He was a little disappointed at the time. But now it's his turn. He knows that. I believe in him," added Storck.

Onuachu will miss the Boxing Day trip to KV Oostende and is rated as doubtful to take to the field against Beerschot (Jan 16) and Mechelen (Jan 19).