Werder Bremen coach Daniel Thioune has offered a cautious but encouraging update on Nigerian striker Victor Boniface ahead of this weekend’s crucial North German derby against Hamburger SV, Soccernet.ng reports.
Boniface has not played since December 2025 after suffering a serious knee injury that required surgery in January. The striker, on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, has spent months recovering and only returned to individual training earlier this month. His absence has been a major blow for Bremen, who have struggled for goals during his time out.
Now, there is hope he could finally make his return.
Speaking ahead of the match, Thioune made it clear that the door is open, but the situation remains delicate.
“We're not ruling any player out, not even Victor,” Thioune said as per Weser-Kurier.
“If we see an opportunity and he adapts, then it's possible he'll return to competitive action. I'm also reserving the right to assess his participation in tomorrow's final training session.”
The coach stressed that Boniface is not ready for a full game. Instead, if he is included in the squad, it would likely be as a substitute. After four months out, the focus is on easing him back carefully rather than taking risks with his fitness.
His potential return could still provide a timely boost for Bremen, especially given what is at stake this weekend.
Werder Bremen: Nordderby showdown could shape survival battle
Few matches carry more weight in German football than the clash between Werder Bremen and Hamburger SV, and this latest meeting at the Weserstadion could prove decisive in the fight to avoid relegation.
Bremen head into the game sitting 15th in the table with 28 points, just three points above the relegation play-off spot. Their recent form has been worrying, with three defeats in their last four matches. Another loss here would increase the pressure significantly in the final weeks of the season.
Hamburg, meanwhile, are slightly better off in 12th place with 31 points, but they are far from safe. Their recent performances have also been inconsistent, and their biggest concern has been at the back. HSV have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last nine matches, a weakness Bremen will be eager to exploit.
Players like Romano Schmid and Justin Njinmah are expected to carry Bremen’s attacking threat, particularly against a defence that has looked vulnerable.
However, Bremen will have to cope without suspended captain Marco Friedl, which could leave them exposed defensively.
The previous meeting between the sides in December ended in a dramatic 3–2 win for Hamburg, and that result will add extra motivation for the home side to respond.
Boniface’s possible involvement adds another layer of intrigue. Even if he only plays a few minutes, his presence could lift the crowd and offer Bremen a different attacking option late in the game.
With both teams fighting to stay in the Bundesliga, the stakes could hardly be higher. It is a derby built on history, rivalry, and now survival, and by the final whistle, it may well have a major say in who stays up and who faces the drop.
