Boniface 'close' to return, says Leverkusen coach Alonso

English Woman's Journal - Boniface 'close' to return, says Leverkusen coach Alonso

SPORTS 15.03.2024

Boniface 'close' to return, says Leverkusen coach Alonso / Photo: SASCHA SCHUERMANN - AFP

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso said Friday Nigeria striker Victor Boniface was "close to getting back on the pitch" and could return in March.

Change text size:

Boniface injured his adductor while preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria in January and has been out since.

Originally scheduled to return sometime in April, Alonso said the 23-year-old could be fit for Leverkusen's home clash with Hoffenheim on March 30.

"He's not ready yet, but next week we have an international break and we'll use the time to take a step forward with him.

"Maybe for Hoffenheim if everything goes well, but we'll see.

"We need to have a bit more patience but he's close to getting back on the pitch."

Moving from Union Saint-Gilloise in the summer, Boniface has had an excellent start to life in Leverkusen, scoring 16 goals and laying on eight assists in 23 games in all competitions.

Boniface was called up to the Nigeria squad for the first time this season but missed the Super Eagles' run to the final, where they lost to Ivory Coast.

Leverkusen are on track for a maiden German top-flight title, sitting 10 points clear of Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga with nine games remaining.

Alonso's side on Thursday qualified for the quarter finals of the Europa League where they will face West Ham and have made it to the final four of the German Cup where they host second-division Fortuna Duesseldorf.

S.Smith--EWJ

Mets President David Stearns Expresses Confidence in Marcus Semien's Motivation

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has identified Marcus Semien’s self-motivation as the primary factor in his potential recovery from an underwhelming debut season. Speaking at the general managers meetings in Las Vegas, Stearns affirmed that the team remains confident in Semien’s ability to improve, even as they evaluate other infield options for next year.

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

English Woman's Journal - Boniface 'close' to return, says Leverkusen coach Alonso