Victor Boniface is set to feature for Werder Bremen this weekend despite missing Thursday’s training session, easing fears over his fitness before Saturday’s Bundesliga meeting with St. Pauli, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nigerian striker, on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, was absent from the main group after taking a knock to the foot earlier in the week.
Werder staff, however, confirmed the 24-year-old had been given a lighter schedule as a precaution rather than because of injury.
Head coach Horst Steffen said Boniface is expected back in full training on Friday and should be ready for selection, according to DeichStube.
His availability comes as a major boost.
Bremen’s attacking options have been stretched since the start of the season, and Boniface is seen as a forward who can add goals and presence in a squad still trying to settle under Steffen.
The Nigerian striker has so far only appeared from the bench in matches against Borussia Mönchengladbach, Freiburg, and Bayern Munich, but he is pushing for a bigger role.
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The news is particularly welcome given Werder’s lengthy injury list. First-choice goalkeeper Mio Backhaus remains sidelined with a shoulder problem, while Mitchell Weiser (cruciate ligament), Maximilian Wöber (thigh), and Olivier Deman (ankle) are all out long term. Defender Niklas Stark is also unavailable, although he has begun individual training and could soon rejoin the squad.
On the positive side, Samuel Mbangula and Felix Agu, who picked up knocks in midweek, trained fully and are expected to be fit for the weekend.
Boniface’s fitness is also being closely monitored in Nigeria. He was overlooked for September’s internationals but remains in contention for the Super Eagles’ October fixtures against Benin and Lesotho. Agu, who made his Super Eagles debut in June, will also be available for the World Cup qualifiers.
With the Africa Cup of Nations looming in December, Boniface performances at Bremen could play a decisive role in whether he forces his way back into the national set-up.
Boniface endured a frustrating two-year spell at Leverkusen, missing 37 matches through injury, but still produced an impressive 32 goals and 12 assists in 61 appearances. His move to Bremen is aimed at reigniting his career with consistent minutes and proving to Leverkusen boss Kasper Hjulmand he still has a future at the BayArena.
For now, Bremen fans can breathe easier. Their Nigerian forward will be ready to lead the line against St. Pauli this Saturday.