Nigeria striker Victor Boniface is back in action for Bayer Leverkusen after nearly two months on the sidelines with a thigh injury.

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso confirmed that Boniface will be included in the squad for their upcoming UEFA Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid.

The 24-year-old had been out of action for exactly nine weeks following a muscle injury sustained during the Super Eagles’ Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Rwanda’s Wasps.

While initial hopes were for a return early in the new year, Boniface encountered a setback during his rehabilitation, ruling him out of games against Borussia Dortmund, FSV Mainz, and Borussia Mönchengladbach.

However, Boniface took part in full training with the squad on Monday ahead of the trip to Madrid, putting him in contention to mark his comeback against the La Liga giants.

Bayer Leverkusen shared a photo of the player training on the grass with the caption, “Look who’s back.”

Speaking to reporters on Monday evening, Alonso confirmed that Boniface would start on the bench against Atletico Madrid.

“Victor is getting better and better and will be in the squad tomorrow. He’s feeling good, and it’s great to have him back with us,” Alonso stated.

In Boniface’s absence, Patrick Schick has been in fine form, scoring 16 goals in 23 competitive appearances.

Boniface had made an impressive start to the season, contributing eight goals and one assist in 15 matches.

While he will not feature in Tuesday’s Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid, his imminent return offers a significant boost to Die Werkself, especially after the long-term injury to Martin Terrier, who is set to miss the rest of the season.