Alonso explains decision to leave Boniface out of Leverkusen's squad to face Brest

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday evening, Xabi Alonso confirmed that Victor Boniface will not be in his squad to face Brest – and explained why.

Victor Boniface will not be available for Bayer Leverkusen’s Champions League away game against Stade Brest on Wednesday.

The Nigeria international was involved in a shocking car crash on Sunday morning. Fortunately, Boniface escaped with only minor injuries, but he’s still too affected by the accident to play on Wednesday, Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso confirmed on Tuesday evening.

“‘Boni’ is not in the squad. Fortunately, it wasn’t too serious. But an accident always has an effect. He’s feeling better, but he wasn’t ready. The game comes too early for him. Physically he feels better, but it’s also an emotional thing. After what happened, it’s a precautionary measure,” Alonso explained, according to Bild.

“He is missing for health reasons. He has a small wound on his hand, a small cut on his right foot. But it’s more about the shock and coming to terms with his accident. We took the decision that he would not fly with us together – the doctors, [Bayer 04 managing director for sport] Simon Rolfes, ‘Boni’ and myself.”

On how he reacted to the accident, Alonso said

“First you talk to the person, then you talk to the player. It was a serious matter and a big shock. The most important thing is that neither he nor his friend have any problems. It could have been worse – Victor was lucky.”

He added that the 23-year-old is not expected to be out for long.

“It’s a matter of days, not weeks.”

17-year-old Francis Onyeka has been included in the squad as a replacement for Boniface.

“We want him to feel and experience what it means to play in the Champions League. Boni is not here, so we need someone else,” said Xabi Alonso.