Bayer Leverkusen’s star striker, Victor Boniface, is set to make his long-awaited return to the squad for Wednesday’s German Cup semi-final against Fortuna Dusseldorf, according to Coach Xabi Alonso. The 23-year-old Nigerian forward has been sidelined for three months due to an adductor muscle injury he sustained while training with the Nigerian national team for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.
In a press conference, Alonso expressed his satisfaction with the team’s current situation, stating, “We are in a super situation. We have no injuries and a full squad. Boni (Boniface) is also back in the squad.” Leverkusen, who currently lead the Bundesliga, are in contention for three trophies this season.
When asked about Boniface’s playing time in the upcoming match, Alonso noted that it would not be a full 90 minutes, but he anticipated the striker could potentially play for 30 minutes. He praised Boniface’s recovery and strong mentality, stating, “He has done a good recovery and has trained well. He has a strong mentality to come back. He can’t wait to get back.”
Prior to his injury, Boniface had showcased his talent on the pitch, scoring 10 goals and providing seven assists in the Bundesliga. Leverkusen’s dominant position in the league, with a 13-point lead over second-placed Bayern Munich and only seven games remaining, puts them on track for their first-ever Bundesliga title.
The team’s remarkable form extends to the Europa League as well, where they remain unbeaten in 39 matches across all competitions this season, securing a spot in the quarterfinals. However, Alonso emphasized the importance of taking it one game at a time, stating, “We have to remain focused, and that is the message I give my players, and they know it. We have done a lot but have won nothing so far. We still have a lot of work to do.”
Despite interest from major European clubs, Alonso confirmed last week that Victor Boniface would be staying with Leverkusen. The coach’s commitment to the team adds further stability and motivation as they continue their pursuit of success on multiple fronts.
