Xabi Alonso To Unleash Boniface On Atletico Madrid

Xabi Alonso To Unleash Boniface On Atletico Madrid

Ibrahim Lateef

Xabi Alonso has not ruled out the possibility of Victor Boniface returning to the matchday squad for Bayer Leverkusen's upcoming UEFA Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid, reports BSNSports.com.ng.

Boniface is still working on regaining full fitness, and Alonso acknowledged that the recent Bundesliga match came too soon for the Nigerian striker.

The 24-year-old sustained a hamstring injury in November after returning from international duty with Nigeria in the 2025 AFCON qualifier against Rwanda in Uyo and has not played for the reigning Bundesliga champions since.

Before his injury, Boniface had an impressive record, scoring eight goals in 15 appearances across all competitions this season.

Last year, he finished as the league's top scorer with 14 goals, helping Leverkusen secure their first Bundesliga title.

"There is a possibility, but we still have to monitor how he feels day by day," Alonso said, hinting at some progress in Boniface's recovery compared to his previous attempts.

"So far, his development has been promising, and he feels good. Saturday was a bit too soon, but there is a chance for next week," he explained cautiously, not dismissing the possibility of Boniface being available for Tuesday's Champions League match against Atletico in Madrid.

Currently, Leverkusen sits second in the league with 41 points, four points behind leaders Bayern Munich.