Victor Boniface ruled out of Borussia Dortmund clash

Bayer Leverkusen will be without injured Nigerian striker Victor Boniface for Friday’s Bundesliga showdown against Borussia Dortmund, while midfielder Granit Xhaka remains a doubt due to an ankle issue, coach Xabi Alonso confirmed on Thursday.

Boniface has been sidelined since sustaining a leg injury during international duty with Nigeria in November. The 24-year-old, who has six goals and an assist in 10 league appearances this season, suffered a “small setback” in his recovery earlier this month.

Providing an update, Alonso said Boniface is still a few matches away from returning to action.

“He needs a bit more time. We need to be patient to get him back and at his best,” Alonso explained.

When asked about Boniface’s potential availability for next week’s fixtures against Mainz and Borussia Moenchengladbach, Alonso expressed uncertainty:

“I don’t know, but normally not. Given the nature of the injury, we have to be cautious.”

Meanwhile, Leverkusen could face Dortmund without Xhaka, whose availability remains in doubt. The Swiss international has been dealing with an ankle complaint, and a final decision on his fitness will be made closer to kickoff.

“We will make a decision. We need a bit more time with Granit,” Alonso said. “We’re hopeful and there’s still time – more than 24 hours – but we need to wait. We’ll see if he’s there tomorrow.”

Leverkusen, who went unbeaten domestically last season to clinch a league and cup double, currently sit second in the Bundesliga, trailing leaders Bayern Munich by four points. Friday’s match against Dortmund presents a key opportunity for Alonso’s side to maintain pressure at the top of the table.