Jens Stage of Werder Bremen has commented on the unexpected possibility of teammate Victor Boniface making a comeback. Previously, it seemed the season for the Nigerian forward, who was on loan, had ended due to knee surgery in early January. However, there’s now a chance Boniface could play before the season concludes.
What Marred Victor Boniface’s Time at Werder?
The Bayer Leverkusen player arrived in the Hanseatic city near the end of the summer transfer window, having failed a medical examination at AC Milan. At Werder, Boniface struggled to achieve optimal physical condition and clearly had issues with his weight. On the pitch, he appeared unsure and inconsistent.
Off the pitch, a series of enigmatic social media posts raised questions about his mental state. It seemed both Bayer and Werder were pleased to remove the former Bundesliga talent from the spotlight through surgery, allowing him time to recover.
What is Boniface’s Current Status?
Werder’s sporting director, Peter Niemeyer, announced yesterday that Boniface will return to individual training this week. With seven weeks remaining in the season, it’s quite possible he might still feature for his loan club.
Werder, as many expected, is climbing away from the relegation zone, having won three of their last four Bundesliga matches. Nevertheless, 28 points after 27 league rounds do not yet guarantee safety.
How Much Does Werder Need Boniface?
The Werder squad lacks a natural striker, apart from young Keke Topp, who unfortunately suffered a season-ending injury while on international duty with Germany’s U21s during the current break.
In recent victories, Justin Njinmah, Marco Grüll, Stuttgart loanee Jovan Milosevic, and (the team’s leading scorer) Jens Stage have stepped up to fill the void. Regrettably, Stage is also currently battling an injury.
Jens Stage Backs Boniface
“I hope he arrives in the same good spirits as he did in the autumn,” the Danish midfielder told Kicker. “Hopefully, he’ll get fit very quickly and help us on the pitch. He arguably possesses the greatest potential in the squad and is an excellent footballer.”
“I don’t see any real negatives when it comes to Victor,” Stage continued. “He’s popular in the locker room; a cool guy who’s a lot of fun.”
