Victor Boniface’s return to full fitness has hit another setback after Bayer Leverkusen left the Nigerian striker out of their UEFA Europa League squad for the 2026/27 season, Footynaija reports.
The decision does not appear to mean Leverkusen have lost faith in the 25-year-old. Instead, it reflects concerns over his fitness after a difficult period with knee problems.
Boniface returned to training early in pre-season and gave Leverkusen plenty of reasons to be hopeful. He scored twice against Sportfreunde Bamberg and later produced two assists against Kickers Offenbach.
He also scored the winning goal against Newcastle United and said his knee problems were no longer affecting him mentally.
But his progress has been slower in competitive matches. He was an unused substitute in a 4-0 win over Wehen Wiesbaden and played only six minutes in a 3-2 defeat by SV Elversberg.
Leverkusen coach Carles Martínez explained why Boniface was not included in the European squad.
“Two months ago, when we started our preparations… he wasn’t ready, he was in pain, his knee wasn’t doing so well, and physically he was very far behind,” Martínez said.
“But the good thing is that his knee is responding better… In many games, when we need a goal, Boni is on my mind. We will help him improve, and I hope that in the coming months or at the end of the season we can say: Boni is at 100 per cent.”
Boniface’s recent injury problems began during his loan spell at Werder Bremen last season, which was cut short by a serious knee injury.
His exclusion means he will miss the opening part of Leverkusen’s Europa League campaign while continuing his gradual return through domestic football.
Leverkusen have several attacking options available, including Patrik Schick, Moussa Diaby, Nathan Tella and Martin Terrier.
Boniface was not the only player left out. Jonas Hofmann, Kennet Eichhorn and Tim Oermann also missed the squad for different reasons.
In the meantime, the immediate target for Boniface is to get his knee right, regain his sharpness and convince Leverkusen that he is ready for a full workload.
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