Speaking at his press conference ahead of Bayer Leverkusen’s Europa League quarter-final game against West Ham, Xabi Alonso confirmed that Victor Boniface is fit enough to potentially start the game.
When asked about the fitness of the Nigerian, Alonso said: “He has been able to play against Union a little longer. He is one of those who could play from the beginning tomorrow. It is good for us that he is completely fit again.” Boniface has been out since January with a abductor injury that he picked up when preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria.
Arthur is also set to be included in the squad, the Brazilian has not featured for Leverkusen since August after picking up a muscle injury. Whilst the only absentee will be Adam Hlozek who picked up an ankle injury against Union Berlin.
Leverkusen can now focus on the Europa League as they are all but certain to win the Bundesliga at the weekend when they face Werder Bremen. Die Werkself have already faced West Ham this season when they played a pre-season friendly at the BayArena, which Leverkusen won comfortably 4-0.
At times, Leverkusen have proved to be leggy and have had to grind out results in the league but if they are on top fo their game, then they will have little to worry about.
GGFN | Jack Meenan
