Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has dashed hopes of Victor Boniface’s return for their Bundesliga clash against SC Freiburg on Saturday.
Despite the Super Eagles striker being spotted in training earlier this week, Alonso confirmed that he will not feature in the matchday squad, even as fans hope for his comeback, Footballrover reports.
Boniface’s road to recovery
The Nigerian international has missed seven consecutive matches due to an injury sustained in early November.
His last appearance was a brief cameo in Leverkusen’s 1-1 draw with VfL Bochum.
While his return to training raised optimism, Alonso clarified in a pre-match press conference that the Nigerian forward’s return is now scheduled for Leverkusen’s first league game of the new year.
“They won’t be back in the squad tomorrow. With Boni and Jonas, it looks like they will be back for the first game in the new year, but it could last a little longer with Amine,” the Leverkusen boss told the club website.
A stellar year for Boniface despite setbacks
His absence comes during an otherwise remarkable year. The 23-year-old was instrumental in Bayer Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal victories in May.
His impressive debut season earned him the Bundesliga Rookie of the Season award, making him the first Nigerian to claim the accolade since its inception in 2016/17.
This season, Victor has continued to shine, contributing six goals and one assist in just 10 league appearances.
However, his injury has stalled his momentum, and the striker is yet to score against Freiburg—a challenge he will have to postpone addressing.
When will Victor Boniface return?
While fans were hopeful for a quicker recovery, Alonso’s update ensures that Boniface’s Bundesliga return is only weeks away.
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