Bayer Leverkusen provide fitness update on Boniface ahead of showdown against Borussia Dortmund

Bayer Leverkusen have provided an injury update on Victor Boniface ahead of Friday's Bundesliga showdown against Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park.

Boniface has been inactive for seven weeks after suffering a thigh injury during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match between the Super Eagles and Rwanda's Wasps.

Due to the ailment, the Super Eagles star was not called up for eight consecutive matches played by Bayer Leverkusen before the winter break, including five Bundesliga games. 

It was earlier reported that he was in the frame to return to action, having participated in full training before Christmas.

However, he was missing from the squad for Sunday's friendly against regional opponents Rot-Weiß Oberhausen at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium - a warm-up match for the restart of the Bundesliga.

The Bundesliga champions, through their official website, confirmed that Boniface is still sidelined, adding that the return of the Nigerian striker has been delayed due a minor setback in his rehabilitation. 

He last played in a competitive game in the 1-1 draw against VfL Bochum on November 9, before heading to Africa were he picked up the injury.

Before his spell on the sidelines, the former Royale Union Saint-Gilloise forward tallied 8 goals in fifteen matches across all competitions. 

Patrik Schick proved himself as a strong alternative in the the attack with impressive performances during the 24-year-old's absence.

In the January transfer window, Bayer Leverkusen brought in Alejo Sarco from Argentinian champions CA Vélez Sarsfield to challenge Boniface and Schick for a place in the starting lineup.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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