Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso said his top striker Victor Boniface will not be out for the rest of the season as being speculated after he suffered an injury during international duty with the Super Eagles.
Boniface starred in the 2-1 defeat of the Super Eagles by Rwanda’s Amavubi in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier last Monday in Uyo, he was subbed off late in the game.
“He’s got a small injury in his thigh muscle, it’s a shame,” Alonso told reporters ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Heidenheim.
“He won’t be there tomorrow or against Salzburg (Champions League).
“We hope he will play again this year. We have to wait and see, but it’s not going to be six or eight weeks.”
Boniface is Leverkusen’s highest scorer in the league, with six goals in 10 games.
Forward Patrik Schick, who has started just twice in the league this season, is expected to step up in the his absence.
“He is always ready — we don’t just need him now, but always.”
Leverkusen are currently in fourth, nine points behind league leaders Bayern Munich. Alonso’s men have dropped 13 points so far this season, one more than the 12 they leaked in the entirety of the last campaign.
PORTIMAO, PORTUGAL - OCTOBER 13: Victor Boniface of Nigeria in action ,during the International Friendly match between Saudi Arabia and Nigeria at Estadio Municipal de Portimao on October 13, 2023 in Portimao, Portugal (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images)