Leverkusen coach explains Boniface UEL omission

Bayer Leverkusen's manager Carles Martinez has shed light on why Nigeria striker Victor Boniface was excluded from the club's UEFA Europa League squad for their upcoming Bundesliga match against Union Berlin. Despite an impressive pre-season performance, Boniface was left out due to not being fully fit when the squad was finalized.

Martinez revealed that during the team's preparations, concerns about Boniface's knee injury and overall physical condition prompted his exclusion. However, Martinez expressed optimism about the striker's recovery, noting that his knee is now responding better and that occasional minor issues persist. He emphasized that a talented player like Boniface deserved a better year, both for this season and his career in general.

Martinez also anticipated facing questions about Boniface's omission each week, but hoped that the Nigerian could continue to improve, aiming for full fitness in the coming months or at the season's end.