Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has ruled out Nigerian striker Victor Boniface for their Bundesliga clash against FC Augsburg on Saturday but remains optimistic about his return next week against Freiburg.
Boniface has been sidelined since mid-November after suffering a thigh injury while on international duty with Nigeria during their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Rwanda.
Alonso had stated Boniface will be out for six to eight weeks, making it impossible for him to play again this year, but latest information shows that he might return earlier than that, getting available for the last game of the year.
“Certainly not against Augsburg. We’ll see about next week’s match against Freiburg. There’s still hope,” Alonso said, providing an update on the forward’s recovery.
Boniface’s absence has been felt, but Leverkusen has managed to adapt, with defenders and midfielders stepping up in crucial moments.
Nordi Mukiele, Nathan Tella, Jonathan Tah, and Florian Wirtz have all scored key goals to keep Alonso’s side on track in domestic and European competitions.
Boniface, who has been a standout performer for Leverkusen this season, will be eager to return as the club looks to maintain their impressive form in the Bundesliga.
