Leverkusen in the Champions League: Boniface on the return!

Leverkusen in the Champions League: Boniface on the return!

On Tuesday evening, Bayer 04 Leverkusen faces a decisive challenge in the Champions League. At 9 p.m. the team meets the Spanish club Atlético Madrid. The starting point for Leverkusen is clear: a victory would be essential to improve the chances of reaching the round of 16. Granit Xhaka recently said that it was unclear how many points are required for the qualification. In addition, he emphasized the importance of not losing Madrid, and has respect for the heated atmosphere that shapes the games in the Estadio Metropolitano.

A positive message for the team is the comeback by striker Victor Boniface. After a thigh injury that had been out of action since the international game period in November, the 24-year-old completed the final training with the team on Monday. Trainer Xabi Alonso confirmed that Boniface is in the squad but will not play from the start. However, he could receive minutes of deployment, which would further strengthen the morale of the team.

return after injury

Although Boniface was taken to travel to Madrid, he will not yet be used in the game against Atlético Madrid, according to Thomas Eichin's statements. Boniface had only been able to train with the team again on Monday after he had previously suffered a small setback and had not trained until then. His return is a possible goal for the next game in Leipzig, but still uncertain.

Trainer Xabi Alonso emphasized that Boniface needs the units with the team to improve their fitness and minimize the risk of a new injury. The medical data proves that thigh injuries often occur without direct contact between players and are often due to structural overload. Early use could increase the risk of a further failure.

injury situation in football

The topic of injuries in football is not new. A research team from the Ruhr University Bochum analyzed injuries to football professionals between 2014 and 2017 and found that over 70% of the contact violations are not due to fouls. Femoral injuries often do not occur through direct player contact, but are often the result of fast movements or overload. This illustrates the importance of preventive training to minimize the risk of injury.

The starting situation for Bayer 04 Leverkusen is therefore not only characterized by the return of a decisive player, but also throws a light on the challenges associated with injuries and their preventive handling in professional sports. A successful game against Atlético Madrid could not only improve the table, but also strengthen trust in a healthy team dynamics.