LEVERKUSEN, Germany — Bayer Leverkusen will be without forward Victor Boniface for several upcoming matches, and he may also miss the remainder of the year due to a thigh injury he sustained while representing Nigeria on international duty, as confirmed by coach Xabi Alonso on Friday.

Alonso noted, “It’s a busy time, and injuries are a part of the game. Victor has a minor muscle injury in his thigh, which will keep him sidelined for a few matches. It’s unfortunate, and we will monitor his situation closely to determine the duration of his absence.”

This season, Boniface has made a significant impact with six goals over 10 appearances in the Bundesliga. His injury is particularly detrimental for Leverkusen, especially since fellow forward Amine Adli is also out until January due to a calf issue.

In Boniface’s absence, it is anticipated that Patrik Schick will lead the attack against Heidenheim in the Bundesliga on Saturday. Additionally, young talents Artem Stepanov and Francis Onyeka may be called up from the Under-19 squad to help fill the gap left by the injured forwards.

Remarkably, this is the second time this year that Boniface has incurred an injury while on international duty. Earlier this year, he was unable to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations due to an injury while training for the event in January.

Nigeria managed to secure a place in the next Africa Cup following a 1-1 draw against Benin on Thursday, but their qualification campaign concluded with a disappointing 2-1 loss to Rwanda at home on Monday.

“Victor came on for 15 minutes in the first match with Nigeria,” Alonso explained regarding Boniface’s injury. “He felt discomfort after the first 60 minutes in the following match but chose to continue playing. In hindsight, he might have reconsidered that decision.”