Bayer 04 Leverkusen head coach, Xabi Alonso, has confirmed that Super Eagles striker, Victor Okoh Boniface, will be unavailable for their UEFA Champions League fixture against Brest this evening.
After scoring the winning goal in Leverkusen’s 2-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga on Saturday, Boniface was involved in a car crash just hours after the match.
Although the 23-year-old escaped serious injury, he was taken to the hospital as a precaution.
Speaking ahead of Leverkusen’s trip to Stade Du Roudourou, Alonso explained the decision to rest Boniface.
“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.”
In Boniface’s absence, 17-year-old German-Nigerian midfielder Francis Ikechukwu Onyeka has been called up to the squad.
Alonso further spoke the importance of giving the youngster a taste of top-level football.
“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.”
Both Leverkusen and Brest have won their opening two group-stage matches in the competition, setting the stage for a crucial encounter this evening.
