Victor Boniface, Bayer Leverkusen’s standout Nigerian striker, will miss his team’s upcoming Bundesliga match against Borussia Monchengladbach as he continues his recovery from a thigh injury. The 24-year-old forward, who has been sidelined since late November, has been making good progress, but coach Xabi Alonso confirmed that he’s not yet ready for a return to competitive action.

In his pre-match press conference, Alonso reassured reporters that Boniface’s development is on track, noting that while the striker has resumed light training, he will not be part of the squad for Saturday’s game. “His development is good. He trained a bit but he is not in the squad for tomorrow. He needs time to train and get fit,” Alonso said. “For tomorrow, it’s still too early, but next week, there is a chance for him.”

Despite missing the match, Leverkusen fans can take comfort in the fact that Boniface’s recovery is progressing well. The forward had been in impressive form before his injury, scoring six goals in the Bundesliga, making him an integral part of the team’s success.

Looking ahead, Alonso hinted that Boniface could be available for Leverkusen’s pivotal Champions League clash against Atlético Madrid next week or their key Bundesliga match against RB Leipzig. The team currently sits second in the league, just four points behind Bayern Munich, and has been in excellent form, riding a seven-match winning streak—the longest in the Bundesliga this season.

With a demanding schedule ahead, including the Champions League and Bundesliga encounters, Alonso expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to handle the pressure. “We have a deep squad and are ready for the challenge,” he stated, emphasizing their strong position as they aim for success both domestically and in Europe.