Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Nigerian striker Victor Boniface has recovered from his hamstring injury and will travel with the squad for their crucial Champions League match against Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano Stadium on Tuesday.
Boniface has been out of action since November after picking up the injury while on international duty with Nigeria during the final round of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. His recovery was hampered by some setbacks, causing him to miss 11 matches across all competitions.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News on Naira Sports WhatsApp Channel
However, after participating fully in a recent training session, Alonso decided to include him in the traveling squad. The manager confirmed the news during the pre-match press conference, stating, “We trained again this morning, and then we decided that Victor Boniface can go with the team on the UCL trip to Madrid. He is getting better and better and he will be in the squad tomorrow. This is very positive news for all of us and of course for him. Boni is feeling good and it’s great that he is back with us.”
Boniface has been a key player for Leverkusen this season, scoring eight goals in 15 appearances. However, he faces competition for a starting spot from Czech international Patrik Schick, who has excelled in his absence, becoming Leverkusen’s top scorer with 16 goals in 23 games across all competitions.
The match is a significant one for both teams. Leverkusen currently occupies an automatic qualification spot for the round of 16 and will be aiming to solidify their position with a win. Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, will be desperate for a victory to secure their own place in the next round. While Boniface’s inclusion is a boost for Leverkusen, it remains to be seen how much playing time he will receive given his recent injury layoff and Schick’s impressive form. Sources and related content
Leave feedback about this