Boniface: Alonso Makes Key Statement on Star’s Fitness After Long Injury Layoff

• Xabi Alonso says Victor Boniface will not be rushed to start games
• The Nigerian forward made his first Bayer Leverkusen in midweek
• Boniface has been out injured since January when he injured his adductor

Xabi Alonso has disclosed it is important to manage the fitness of Victor Boniface after the forward made his first appearance for Bayer Leverkusen in four months due to a long injury layoff.

The 23-year-old forward, who has been instrumental in Die Werkself’s treble run this season, suffered the setback when preparing for Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign in January.

According to Daily Post, Alonso, speaking in the press conference before Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga clash against Union Berlin, reiterated Boniface will not be rushed back into action.

“Boniface outing against Düsseldorf was good for him, but he won’t be able to start yet. We want to help him bit by bit to get that good feeling on the pitch again.”

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Boniface remains the highest goalscorer in Bayer Levrkusen’s squad this season with 16 goals in all competitions, and played his first game after returning from an injury in the 4-0 DFB-POKAL semi-final win against Düsseldorf on April 3.

Boniface starts from bench in Bundesliga

Meanwhile, Super Eagles striker Boniface played his second consecutive game for Bayer Leverkusen following his return from a four-month injury as they secured a slim 1-0 win against Union Berlin, Livescore reports.

The 23-year-old, who was named on the bench by Alonso, came on in the 67th minute as he replaced Borja Iglesias as Die Werkself extended their lead ontop of the Bundesliga table to 16 points.

Florian Wirtz’s goal in first half’s added time was enough to give Bayer Leverkusen all three points and maintain their unbeaten record in all competitions this season.

Victor Boniface returns to Bayer Leverkusen training after 3 months, photos

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Alonso welcomes Boniface back

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Boniface made his long-awaited return from injury during Bayer Leverkusen's DFB-Pokal semi-final win over Fortuna Dusseldorf on Wednesday, April 3.

The Super Eagles international has been recovering from an injury in the last three months and returned to action in a crucial period for his team.

Leverkusen coach, Alonso, said he is happy to have his star back as the 2023/24 Bundesliga enters the final stretch.