TheCable

Xabi Alonso, Bayer Leverkusen manager, says Victor Boniface is back in the team’s matchday squad after a three-month lay-off due to a groin injury. 

According to NAN, Alonso spoke on Tuesday in a press conference ahead of the club’s German Cup semi-final against Fortuna Dusseldorf.

Boniface picked up a groin injury in training with the Super Eagles of Nigeria while preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.

The injury ruled him out of the competition, and he has been out of action for club and country since then.

Speaking on Boniface’s condition, Alonso said the striker “has done a good recovery and has trained well”.

The manager, however, added that the Nigerian will not play a full match against Fortuna Dusseldorf on Wednesday.

“We are in a super situation. We have no injuries and a full squad. Boni (Boniface) is also back in the squad,” Alonso said.

“Not 90 minutes. 45, maybe not. But maybe 30. He has done a good recovery and has trained well.

“He has a strong mentality to come back. He can’t wait to get back.”

Boniface had scored 10 goals and assisted seven more in the Bundesliga before his injury in January.

He was named the league’s Rookie of the Month five consecutive times from September to January.

Bayer Leverkusen are on course for a first-ever Bundesliga title with a 13-point lead over second-placed Bayern Munich and seven games remaining.