Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Agency Report
Published on 2024-04-03 09:14:31
Bayer Leverkusen striker, Victor Boniface, will make his long-awaited return to the squad for Wednesday’s German Cup semi-final against Fortuna Dusseldorf after being sidelined for three months due to injury. Coach Xabi Alonso confirmed this news on Tuesday, expressing his pleasure at having a full squad available for selection.
The 23-year-old Nigerian forward had been out of action since undergoing surgery for an adductor muscle injury sustained while training with the Nigerian national team ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire. Despite his lengthy absence, Boniface has worked hard to recover and is now ready to make his comeback.
Alonso mentioned that Boniface might not be able to play the full 90 minutes, but he could feature for around 30 to 45 minutes in the upcoming match. The coach praised the striker’s determination and mental strength, highlighting his eagerness to return to competitive football.
Before his injury, Boniface had been in fine form, scoring 10 goals and providing seven assists in the Bundesliga. Leverkusen, currently leading the Bundesliga table with a 13-point advantage over second-placed Bayern Munich, are also pursuing success in the Europa League and German Cup this season.
Alonso emphasized the importance of taking each game as it comes and maintaining focus, especially with Leverkusen still in the running for multiple titles. Despite their impressive performances so far, the coach acknowledged that the team has not achieved anything yet and must continue working hard to reach their goals.
The German Cup semi-final against Fortuna Dusseldorf presents an opportunity for Leverkusen to advance to the final and potentially secure their first-ever Bundesliga title. Kaiserslautern’s 2-0 victory over Saarbrucken in the other semi-final sets up an intriguing final clash between Leverkusen and the winners.
Alonso, who recently confirmed his commitment to staying at Leverkusen amidst interest from other European clubs, underlined the need for his players to remain focused and not get carried away by their successes. He emphasized the importance of humility and hard work in achieving success in football.
As Leverkusen look to continue their unbeaten streak of 39 matches across all competitions this season, the team is well aware of the challenges that lie ahead. With a strong squad and Boniface’s return adding depth to their attacking options, Leverkusen will aim to finish the season on a high note and secure silverware.
In conclusion, Leverkusen’s upcoming fixtures present an opportunity for the team to showcase their talent and compete for major trophies. With Boniface back in the squad, the team will be looking to make the most of their opportunities and maintain their impressive form as they seek to achieve their season goals.
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