Three Key Factors Which highlights Why Victor Boniface Has Been Absent From The Bayern Leverkusen Line Up
Victor Boniface, Bayer Leverkusen’s star striker, has been consistently absent from the starting lineup since his return from an adductor injury. This injury happened while Victor Boniface was preparing for the Afcon tournament and with his return scheduled by April 2024, Victor Boniface is yet to regain his starting berth. Here are three key reasons behind his omission from the starting Line up.
Managing an Adductor Injury carefully
Adductor injuries needs careful management to prevent long-term problems. The prediction for adductor setbacks is manageable if athletes receive adequate rest and rehabilitation. However, rushing a return to the pitch of play can result in intense pain and bigger setbacks. Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso is aware of the consequences of the risk if not properly managed. In his press conferences, Alonso replied the question about Nigerians worried on Victor Boniface not starting, he emphasized the importance of giving Boniface adequate time to recover fully.
Nigerian fans frequently ask me why Victor Boniface hasn't been starting as many games for Bayer Leverkusen since his return from injury. So, I took these questions directly to the manager, Xabi Alonso. #Europaleaguefinal pic.twitter.com/VXG8tDqz6O
— Oma Akatugba (@omaakatugba) May 22, 2024
“We want to ensure Victor is completely ready before bringing him back to the starting lineup,” Alonso stated. His careful management of the striker shows intent to preserve Boniface’s health and longevity, ensuring that he can give top performances when called upon. By not rushing his star striker back onto the pitch, Alonso is looking at the bigger picture in terms of Boniface’s long-term well-being over immediate gains.
Emergence of Patrik Schick
Another significant reason for Boniface’s extended absence from the starting eleven is the emergence of Patrik Schick. The Czech Republic forward stepped up incredibly in Boniface’s absence, delivering strong performances and forming an effective attacking partnership with Alex Grimaldo and Florian Wirtz. Schick’s chemistry with these players has been a crucial factor in Leverkusen’s offensive strategy.
Schick’s contributions have made it difficult for Alonso to justify benching him in favor of Boniface, especially given the team’s success during this period. This tweak has created healthy competition within the squad, but it has also meant that Boniface must wait for his chance to reclaim his spot.
Boniface’s Instrumental Role and the Europa League Final
Despite his injury setback, Victor Boniface has been instrumental in Bayer Leverkusen’s success this season. With 21 goals in 33 appearances, his impact on the team is undeniable. His scoring prowess and overall play have been crucial for Leverkusen, making his absence even more noticeable.
As Leverkusen prepares for the Europa League final, arguably one of the most important matches in the club’s history, it remains to be seen if Boniface will be given the nod to start. His ability to make a difference in high-stakes matches is well known, but Alonso must weigh the risks of starting him too soon after his recovery.
Strategic Preservation for Future Success
Xabi Alonso’s decision to hold Boniface back from starting is a strategic one. By ensuring that Boniface is fully fit and ready, Alonso is not only looking at the now but also the bigger picture to ensure the Nigerian is effective when giving a chance to play.
Finally we can agree that Victor Boniface absence from the Bayern Leverkusen set up can be attributed to three main factors which are injury management as stated by Xabi Alonso in his Press Conference, also the surging rise of Patrik Schick to fill in the void of the missing Nigerian and finally for to avoid reoccurring problems for Victor Boniface in future.
