Bayer Leverkusen's Victor Boniface Ruled Out of Monchengladbach Game

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso confirms Jonathan Tah's return to the squad for the Monchengladbach game, while Victor Boniface remains sidelined with a muscle injury.

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso confirmed that defender Jonathan Tah will return to the squad for their league game against Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday. Tah, who had been nursing a cold, missed the team's midweek win over Mainz 05, but Alonso stated that the Germany international is now ready to be part of the starting lineup.

However, striker Victor Boniface will not be fit in time for the game against Monchengladbach. Boniface has been recovering from a muscle injury and Alonso said that although his development is good, he needs more time to train and get fit. “His development is good. He trained a bit but he is not in the squad (for Saturday). He needs time to train and get fit but his development is good,” Alonso explained.

🗣️ Xabi at the press conference ahead of tomorrow's tricky tie with Gladbach. pic.twitter.com/22E7WAiuhT

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) January 17, 2025

Alonso did offer some hope for Boniface's return, suggesting that he may be ready to play next week. Leverkusen face a busy schedule, with a Champions League match against Atletico Madrid and a Bundesliga clash against RB Leipzig on the horizon. “There is a chance (for Boniface to play next week). We will see, we have to wait. His feeling is good. For tomorrow it is still a bit too early but for next week, yes, there is a chance,” Alonso said. Leverkusen are currently in second place in the Bundesliga, four points behind leaders Bayern Munich.