Bayer Leverkusen has confirmed that Nigerian striker Victor Boniface will miss the team’s first Bundesliga match of 2025 against Borussia Dortmund on January 10 due to a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury.
The 24-year-old has been sidelined since mid-November after picking up the injury during a 1-1 draw with VfL Bochum.
Boniface was initially expected to return to training at the beginning of January, but a minor issue during his rehabilitation has delayed his recovery. While he showed signs of improvement over the Christmas break, he was not included in the squad for Leverkusen’s recent friendly against Rot-Weiss Oberhausen, raising doubts about his fitness.
Before the injury, Boniface had been in excellent form, scoring eight goals and providing one assist in 15 appearances. The club had hoped he would be fit for the important match against Dortmund, but with this latest development, his return remains uncertain. He is also expected to miss the following match against Mainz on January 14.
Though Boniface’s absence is a blow for Leverkusen, head coach Xabi Alonso has reliable alternatives. Czech forward Patrik Schick, who has been in strong form, is set to lead the attack in Boniface’s place.