Xabi Alonso Confirms Boniface's Return Ahead of Leipzig Match

Victor Boniface is back in the Leverkusen squad after injury, providing a timely boost ahead of their Bundesliga clash with RB Leipzig.

Champions Bayer Leverkusen will welcome back striker Victor Boniface to their squad for Saturday's Bundesliga match at RB Leipzig, according to coach Xabi Alonso. Boniface, a 24-year-old Nigeria forward, has been sidelined since November with a thigh muscle injury but is now ready to return. “Yes. He is in the squad,” Alonso confirmed during a press conference on Friday, when asked if Boniface could start against Leipzig.

A battle of the Dutch. 🇳🇱👊 pic.twitter.com/0GzR8W2FFo

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) January 24, 2025

Leverkusen will be looking to bounce back from Tuesday's 2-1 Champions League loss at Atletico Madrid. In the Bundesliga, however, the team is on a hot streak, having won their last eight league games to remain in second place with 41 points, four behind leaders Bayern Munich. Alonso emphasized the importance of the Bundesliga, saying, “I have always said Bundesliga is the most important competition for us.”

Despite their positive run, Alonso is aware that Saturday's match at Leipzig will be a tough challenge. “We are on a positive wave and we want to stay on it, but it will be a tough game for us tomorrow playing away at Leipzig,” he cautioned. Leipzig currently sits in fifth place with 31 points.

In addition to discussing the upcoming match, Alonso also touched on the possibility of Leverkusen being active in the January transfer window. The team has been hit with injuries to Jeanuel Belocian and Martin Terrier, which have ended both players' seasons. Alonso hinted that the club may need to make some moves to bolster their squad. “We have to be smart and take a smart decision,” he said. “After two serious injuries, we have to be active.”