Despite missing training on Thursday, Victor Boniface is expected to play for Werder Bremen this weekend, alleviating concerns about his fitness ahead of the Bundesliga clash with St. Pauli on Saturday, according to Soccernet.ng.
The Nigerian forward, currently on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, was absent from group training after sustaining a minor foot injury earlier in the week.
However, Werder Bremen’s medical team clarified that the 24-year-old was assigned a reduced training load as a precautionary measure rather than due to any serious injury.
According to DeichStube, head coach Horst Steffen expects Boniface to resume full training on Friday, making him available for selection against St. Pauli.
This development is a significant relief for Bremen, whose attacking lineup has been thin since the season’s start. Boniface is regarded as a key offensive asset capable of boosting the team’s goal-scoring threat as they continue to adapt under Steffen’s management.
So far this season, Boniface has made substitute appearances against Borussia Mönchengladbach, Freiburg, and Bayern Munich, but he is eager to secure a more prominent role in the starting lineup.
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The timing of Boniface’s return is especially crucial given Werder Bremen’s extensive injury woes. Key goalkeeper Mio Backhaus remains out with a shoulder injury, while Mitchell Weiser (cruciate ligament), Maximilian Wöber (thigh), and Olivier Deman (ankle) are sidelined for the foreseeable future. Defender Niklas Stark is also unavailable but has started individual training and may soon rejoin the squad.
On a brighter note, Samuel Mbangula and Felix Agu, who both sustained knocks midweek, have fully participated in training and are expected to be fit for the weekend’s fixture.
Back in Nigeria, Boniface’s condition is under close observation. Although he was not selected for the September international matches, he remains a candidate for the Super Eagles’ upcoming October qualifiers against Benin and Lesotho. Similarly, Agu, who debuted for Nigeria in June, is expected to be available for the World Cup qualifying games.
With the Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for December, Boniface’s performances at Bremen could be pivotal in determining his inclusion in the national squad.
Boniface’s tenure at Leverkusen was marred by injuries, causing him to miss 37 games over two years. Nevertheless, he managed an impressive tally of 32 goals and 12 assists in 61 appearances. His loan to Bremen is designed to provide regular playing time and demonstrate to Leverkusen’s coach Kasper Hjulmand that he remains a valuable asset for the future.
For now, Werder Bremen supporters can feel reassured as their Nigerian forward is poised to spearhead the attack against St. Pauli this weekend.
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