As Bayer Leverkusen gear up for their Bundesliga clash against Augsburg this weekend, head coach Xabi Alonso spoke of the absence of his talismanic striker, Victor Boniface, in a pre-match press conference.
“[Victor Boniface] won’t play against Augsburg ,” Alonso confirmed. “We’ll see whether he can play against Freiburg next week, so there’s still hope that Boni can play again this year.”
The Nigerian forward, who has been instrumental in Leverkusen’s stellar form this season, suffered an injury in their previous match. Boniface’s absence leaves a significant void in attack, as his physicality, movement, and finishing have been central to the team’s dominance in the league.
With Boniface sidelined, Alonso faces a tactical conundrum. The Spaniard hinted at reshuffling his attacking options to adapt to the striker’s absence. Patrick Schick and Adam Hložek are likely to continue to feature more prominently, while Florian Wirtz, the creative fulcrum of the team, could shoulder additional responsibility in orchestrating Leverkusen’s offense.
“Of course, Boni is a unique player, but we have a strong squad,” Alonso said. “It’s an opportunity for others to step up and show their quality.”
Leverkusen fans, who have embraced Boniface as a fan favorite since his arrival, are anxious about his fitness. The club has assured supporters that the medical team is working diligently to ensure his recovery.
Leverkusen’s clash against Augsburg will be a test of their squad depth and resilience. While Boniface’s absence is still a blow, Alonso’s tactical acumen and the team’s collective quality will be key to overcoming the challenge.
Leverkusen’s supporters remain hopeful for a strong finish to the year.
