“Very positive”- Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso reveals Victor Boniface’s likely return date

The Super Eagles star has been injured since the turn of the year, but he could be back in action very soon

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has revealed that Victor Boniface is edging closer to returning after an injury that has kept him out of action for three months, Soccernet.ng reports.

Boniface has been outstanding for Bayer Leverkusen since he joined from Belgian club Royale Union SG last summer. The Nigerian striker had a great run that saw him register ten goals and seven assists in 16 appearances for Die Werkself.

His performances earned him a place in Jose Peseiro's team for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, but he was ruled out because of an adductor injury.

Following his injury, he had to undergo surgery, and that has kept him out of action since the turn of the year. Since his surgery, Boniface has frequently shared pictures of himself during physiotherapy sessions.

Despite Boniface’s absence, Die Werkself have been superb. They remain the only team in Europe's top five leagues that have not lost a game, and they have an eight-point advantage over champions Bayern Munich with twelve games left.

Bayer Leverkusen play Koln in the Bundesliga this weekend, and ahead of the fixture, Alonso has issued an update on Boniface’s situation.

“His (Boniface) development is very good, the recovery is going in the right direction. That’s very positive,” Alonso said, per Bild.

“We expect Boniface soon, I don't know, but it won't be until May, maybe April, and that's very good for us, having Boniface back.

“Boni works very well, with great professionalism, twice a day. We need players who have the desire to be back.”

If Boniface returns to the team in April, it will be a huge boost, as they have seven Bundesliga games that month. It would be a long stretch, and they would need their best legs to avoid slip-ups.