Werder Bremen prepare for unexpected Victor Boniface comeback: “A cool guy and great footballer.” | OneFootball

Werder Bremen’s Jens Stage has commented on the potential of an improbable and most unexpected comeback for teammate Victor Boniface. The Nigerian striker’s time with his Bundesliga loan club appeared to be over due to early January knee surgery. It now appears as if Boniface might get another chance to play before the season concludes. 

What rendered Victor Boniface’s stint with Bremen a disaster?

The Bayer Leverkusen professional arrived in the Hanseatic city state near the end of the summer transfer window after failing an AC Milan medical. Boniface struggled to regain full match fitness at Werder, and clearly wasn’t managing his weight Boniface looked uncomfortable and erratic when he played.

Off the pitch, a series of cryptic social media posts cast aspersions on whether the 25-year-old was legitimately sane. Both Leverkusen and Werder seemed pleased to get the former Bundesliga star out of the spotlight via the surgery in order to help him regroup. 

What is Boniface’s current status?

Werder sporting director Peter Niemeyer let it be known yesterday that Boniface will return to individual training this week. With seven weeks remaining in the season, it’s entirely possible that he might yet make an appearance for his loan club. 

Werder – as many expected – are rising above the relegation fray after winning three of their last four Bundesliga fixtures. A total of 28 points through 27 rounds of league football nevertheless doesn’t guarantee safety just yet. 

How badly do Bremen need Boniface?

The Werder squad remains without a natural striker apart from young Keke Topp, who actually suffered a season-ending injury whilst on international duty with the Germany U21s during the current international break.

In recent victories Justin Njinmah, Marco Grüll, Stuttgart loanee Jovan Milosevic, and (team leading goalscorer) Jens Stage have been picking up the slack. Stage is unfortunately now fighting injury as well. 

Jens Stage backs Boniface

“I hope he’ll arrive, just as he did in the autumn, in good spirits,” the Danish midfielder told Kicker. “Hopefully he’ll get very quickly and help us on the pitch. He possesses the most potential of perhaps anyone in the squad and is a good 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 happens to be a lot of fun.“

GGFN | Peter Weis