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Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has shed light on the injury sustained by Nigerian forward Victor Boniface during the international break, leaving fans concerned about his availability in a pivotal phase of the season.
The 23-year-old played a prominent role in Nigeria’s recent AFCON qualifiers, featuring in the 2-1 defeat to Rwanda and the 1-1 draw against Benin Republic.
However, Boniface picked up a thigh injury during the break, which has since sidelined him from Leverkusen’s activities.
According to Bild, Boniface missed Leverkusen’s training session on Thursday, prompting further speculation about the extent of his injury.
Addressing the situation, Alonso expressed his disappointment but reassured fans that the forward could still feature before the end of the year.
“It’s a shame; he has a small injury in his thigh muscles,” Alonso revealed. “We hope he can still play this year. We have to wait and see – but it won’t be for six to eight weeks.”
Despite Alonso’s optimism, reports from Sky Germany suggest Boniface’s return is unlikely before January 2024, marking the second time this year he has faced a thigh injury.
A similar issue earlier in 2024 kept him out of action for several months.
The injury poses a significant challenge for Leverkusen, who are vying to defend their Bundesliga title.
Boniface has been instrumental this season, registering eight goals and one assist.
His absence leaves a void in the team’s attack, with Alonso looking to Czech forward Patrik Schick to step up in the interim.
“He is always ready,” Alonso said of Schick. “We need him not just now, but always.”
As Leverkusen prepare for the upcoming fixtures, the team will have to navigate without one of their standout performers, hoping Boniface’s recovery proceeds swiftly to aid their title defence.
