Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso confirmed that Nigerian striker Victor Boniface will be out for at least five weeks due to a thigh injury sustained during the recent international break. Boniface, 23, had featured in Nigeria’s 2-1 loss to Rwanda and the 1-1 draw against the Republic of Benin.

Upon his return to Germany, Boniface missed Leverkusen’s training ahead of their match with FC Heidenheim. Alonso expressed disappointment over the timing of the injury, but reassured fans that Boniface should return before the end of the year.

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“It’s a shame, he has a small injury in his thigh muscles,” Alonso said. “We hope he can still play this year. We have to wait and see – but it won’t be for six to eight weeks.”

With Boniface sidelined, Leverkusen will rely on Czech forward Patrik Schick to fill in, with Alonso highlighting Schick’s readiness to step up during this challenging period.