Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has addressed the media regarding striker Victor Boniface, who was involved in a car accident over the weekend.
Boniface will not join the squad for their critical Champions League clash against unbeaten French side Brest.
Alonso confirmed that the 23-year-old is recovering from minor injuries but emphasized the importance of prioritizing his well-being. “It’s a purely precautionary measure.
He’s doing well physically, but we want to rest him,” Alonso stated during a pre-match press conference.
The incident, which occurred shortly after Leverkusen’s 2-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt, involved Boniface as a passenger in a vehicle that collided with a truck.
Despite suffering minor cuts to his foot and hand, Alonso assured fans that Boniface’s absence is expected to be temporary.
“It’s primarily about Victor Boniface as a person and not as a player.
It was a serious matter and a shock for everyone involved.
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They were lucky; things like that can happen to anybody at any time. We’ll see how he is when we get back,” Alonso added.
In Boniface’s absence, 17-year-old Francis Onyeka has been called up to the squad.
Onyeka, who recently received the prestigious Fritz Walter medal, is poised to gain valuable experience on the Champions League stage.
“We have great hopes for him, but we need to be patient,” Alonso remarked.
“He’s come closer to the team with the last training sessions.
I’m happy for him that he is able to gain Champions League experience,” he concluded.