Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso remains optimistic Victor Boniface will return to action for the club before the end of the year.

Boniface sustained a thigh injury on international duty this week and is expected to spend time on the sidelines due to the setback.

Reports in the German media suggested that the Nigeria international will not play again this year.

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Alonso has however revealed that there is a chance the striker will step on the pitch again in 2024.

“He (Boniface) has a small injury in his thigh muscles,” Alonso told a press conference.

“But it won’t be for six to eight weeks. We hope that he can play again this year. We now have to wait and see how he recovers.”

The forward has registered eight goals and one assist in 15 games across all competitions for Die Werkself this season.

By Adeboye Amosu