Bayer 04 Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Super Eagles striker Victor Okoh Boniface will miss the team’s UEFA Champions League game against Brest this evening.
The decision comes after Boniface was involved in a car accident shortly after his Bundesliga match-winning performance against Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 23-year-old striker, who has been pivotal for Leverkusen, scored the decisive goal in his team’s 2-1 victory despite missing a penalty earlier in the match. Hours later, he was involved in a car crash, which fortunately did not result in serious injuries but left him with minor wounds.
Ahead of the team’s match at Stade Du Roudourou, Alonso explained that Boniface’s absence is a precautionary measure.
“He is not in the squad. After what happened, it’s also a precautionary measure. He’s missing for health reasons. He has a small wound on his hand, and a small cut on his right foot, but the shock is bigger.
Physically, he is better, but it is also an emotional issue. He feels good but he is not ready for tomorrow. He’ll be back soon. It’s more a question of days, not weeks,” Alonso revealed in quotes shared by Werkself Xtra.
In Boniface’s absence, Alonso has opted to include 17-year-old German-Nigerian attacking midfielder Francis Ikechukwu Onyeka in the squad for the Champions League fixture. Onyeka, who has been impressing during first-team training, will have the chance to gain valuable experience at the highest level.
“We want him to feel and experience what it means to play in the Champions League. Boni is not here, so we need someone else,” Alonso added.
Both Bayer Leverkusen and Brest have won their opening two games in the Champions League this season, setting up a crucial match tonight. With Boniface temporarily sidelined, it will be interesting to see how Alonso’s side adapts as they aim to continue their strong European campaign.