Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Nigerian striker Victor Boniface will miss a few games due to a thigh injury sustained during the international break, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Boniface, 23, featured in Nigeria's matches against Rwanda and the Republic of Benin, but returned to Germany with the injury. He has since missed Leverkusen's training ahead of their match against FC Heidenheim.
Alonso expressed disappointment at the timing of the injury, but reassured fans that Boniface is expected to return before the end of the year.
"A few games. We'll see for how long," Alonso said. "He suffered a small injury to his thigh. So we'll see, but tomorrow, against Salzburg, we'll have to wait. It's too early to say."
Alonso ruled out a lengthy layoff for Boniface, saying: "We hope that he'll be able to play again this year, but we'll have to see with his recovery process. But he won't be out for 6-8 weeks."
Boniface has been a standout performer for Leverkusen this season, and his absence will be felt. The Bundesliga side will look to Patrik Schick to fill the void until Boniface's return.
By Olujimi Dare Ogun