Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface’s wait for a first Werder Bremen start may well take longer than anticipated following the forward’s recent fitness concerns, Footynaija.com reports.
Boniface has made four appearances for Werder Bremen since making that summer switch from Bayer Leverkusen on a season-long loan. All of those appearances have come from the substitute’s bench with Bremen boss Horst Steffen insisting on several occasions that the Nigerian wasn’t in the best physical condition to earn more minutes.
Steffen’s claims have now been lent more credence after Werder Bremen chief Clemens Fritz revealed in a recent interview with Bild that the club has identified some issues with Boniface’s fitness and are now providing the necessary support to help him overcome these issues.
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“Together with Victor, we have clearly identified the issues and are supporting him from all angles,” Fritz said.
“This includes athletic training, physiotherapy, and also nutrition with appropriate advice. We are working closely with him.
“He accepts our support and wants to work on himself. Victor is also working extra shifts, foregoing a day off on the weekend to train.”
According to Bild’s report, the Leverkusen loanee is currently overweight, a situation believed to be putting additional strain on his already sensitive knee (the same knee that has endured two cruciate ligament tears in the past).
Recall that Italian Serie A giants AC Milan pulled out of a deal to sign the Nigeria international in the summer despite already agreeing terms with Bayer Leverkusen, citing concerns over his fitness and injury history after conducting multiple medical examinations.
Werder Bremen have a structure in place to address Boniface’s weight and fitness issue, having created a new position for a nutritionist during the summer. The nutritionist will specifically oversee Boniface’s dietary management.
