Still no timeframe on Boniface’s return from injury

Bayer Leverkusen coach still can’t say when Victor Boniface is expected to return from injury.

At a press conference on Monday, Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso said he still has “hope” that Victor Boniface can return to action before the end of 2024.

At the moment, however, he can’t put a timeframe on Boniface’s return from the thigh injury that has kept the Nigerian international out of Leverkusen’s last three games. 

“He’s on the right track, but it’s too early to say when he’ll be back,” said Xabi Alonso ahead of Leverkusen’s DFB-Pokal away game against Bayern Munich on Tuesday. 

Fortunately for Leverkusen, Patrik Schick has stepped up in Boniface’s absence. 

In his last four games, the Czech international has found the net six times, most recently scoring the winner in a 2-1 win over Union Berlin. 

“He doesn’t just score goals. He has done a lot of things very well, including against Union in a very intense game against a tough defence,” said Alonso, who is pleased to see Schick bringing a “good feeling” onto the pitch.