Bayern Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has finally given a definite timeline on when Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface will make a return to the pitch.
The Nigeria international has missed the last three months due to an abductor injury he suffered in January while camping with the Super Eagles ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024) in the Ivory Coast.
Earlier this month, though, the 23-year-old started light training and began walking without his crutches for the first time since he suffered the damaging injury.
He also started individual training two weeks ago and is getting closer to returning to full fitness. Addressing journalists ahead of Leverkusen’s Bundesliga clash against Hoffenheim, Alonso said Saturday’s game has come too early for Boniface despite his recovery going according to plan.
Victor Boniface to make injury return against Dusseldorf in DFB Pokal
The Spaniard, however, confirmed that the Nigerian striker will be back in the squad for Wednesday’s DFB Pokal semi-final clash against Fortuna Dusseldorf.
“For Victor Boniface, we’ll wait a little longer. The idea is that he will be back in the squad on Wednesday. Exequiel Palacios and Arthur won’t be there tomorrow either,” Alonso said.
It is unlikely that Boniface will start in the game against Dusseldorf but the Super Eagles star could be afforded some minutes to build up his match fitness after spending the last three months on the sidelines.
The striker’s return also comes as a huge boost to Leverkusen, who are in contention for the treble of the Bundesliga, DFB Pokal and the UEFA Europa League. Although Leverkusen have managed quite well in the absence of Boniface, with Florian Wirtz and Patrik Schick stepping up to make up for his goals, the 23-year-old remains the club’s top scorer despite not kicking a ball since the start of 2024.
Boniface had 25 goal contributions (16 goals and nine assists) in all competitions before being rocked by injury and the striker will be looking to add a few more as Leverkusen aim to end the season with silverware.
