Victor Boniface has returned to Bayer Leverkusen with an injury following his involvement with the Nigerian national team during the international break.
The 23-year-old featured prominently in Nigeria’s AFCON qualifiers, including the 2-1 defeat to Rwanda and a 1-1 draw against Benin Republic.
However, reports from Bild revealed the forward missed Leverkusen’s training session on Thursday due to a thigh injury sustained during the break.
This development raised concerns, as Boniface underwent surgery earlier this year for an adductor muscle issue, sidelining him for several months.
Alonso sweating over Boniface’s availability
Boniface is now set to miss the remainder of the year after suffering a muscle fiber tear in his thigh while on international duty with Nigeria.
The Nigerian Football Federation confirmed the thigh injury, and Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso expressed concerns about the player's fitness.
“We hope he can play again this year,” Alonso initially remarked, though he later clarified that the timeframe could extend into early January.
Reports from Sky Germany reveal that Boniface is unlikely to return to action before 2024, with his comeback tentatively scheduled for January. The absence is a significant blow for Leverkusen, as the Bundesliga defending champions will be without the 23-year-old forward, who has been instrumental this season with six goals and one assist in ten league appearances.
This marks the second time in 2024 that Boniface has suffered a thigh injury, with a similar issue sidelining him for months earlier this year.
Leverkusen will now look to Czech striker Patrik Schick to step up in the Nigerian's absence as they push to maintain their title charge.
