Good news: Victor Boniface named in Bayer Leverkusen's matchday squad against Atletico Madrid

Victor Boniface will be named in Bayer Leverkusen's matchday squad on Tuesday night when they take on Atletico Madrid on matchday 7 in the league phase of the 2024-2025 Uefa Champions League, manager Xabi Alonso confirmed at the pre-match press conference. 

The 24-year-old has been inactive for exactly nine weeks after suffering a muscle-related injury during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match between the Super Eagles and Rwanda's Wasps.

Despite initial hopes for his return early in the new year, he suffered a setback during rehabilitation, causing him to miss consecutive games against Borussia Dortmund, FSV Mainz and Borussia Mönchengladbach.

Boniface trained fully with the Bayer Leverkusen squad on Monday, before the trip to Madrid, putting him in contention to celebrate his comeback from injury against the La Liga powerhouse. 

Speaking to reporters on Monday evening, Alonso confirmed that Boniface will have to settle for a place on the bench against Atletico Madrid.

"Victor is getting better and better and he will be in the squad tomorrow. He's feeling good and it's great that he is back with us," he said.

Taking advantage of the absence of first-choice striker Boniface, Patrick Schick has now scored 16 goals in 23 competitive matches.

Bayer Leverkusen have coped without their number 22, having won eleven games on the bounce, including two victories in the Champions League. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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