)
Bayer Leverkusen will be without star striker Victor Boniface for their crucial Bundesliga clash against Borussia Dortmund on Friday.
Boniface, who has been a key figure for the defending German champions this season with six goals and an assist in 10 league matches, has not featured for Leverkusen since his injury.
The club has revealed the 24-year-old had suffered a "small setback" in his recovery, further delaying his return.
“He needs a bit more time”
)
Speaking in a press conference on Thursday, Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso provided a sobering update on Boniface’s status.
“He needs a bit more time. We need to be patient to get him back at his best,” Alonso stated, emphasising the importance of ensuring the player’s full fitness before reintroducing him to action.
When asked about Boniface’s availability for upcoming fixtures against Mainz and Borussia Mönchengladbach, Alonso was cautious.
“I don’t know if he will return for next week’s games, but normally not,” he said.
Boniface’s absence is a significant blow for Leverkusen, who are looking to catch league leaders Bayern Munich.
As they prepare for a tough run of fixtures, Alonso will need to find alternative solutions to maintain their momentum in both domestic and European competitions.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
![[WATCH]: Nigerian student body protest appointment of Eric Chelle as Super Eagles coach](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/08012025/e4f517bf-ac06-4b96-844d-c9147fd7dbee.jpg?operations=fit(600:))
)
)
)
)
)
)