Boniface back in Bremen squad after injury layoff

Nigerian striker Victor Boniface returned to the matchday squad for Werder Bremen on Sunday as the Bundesliga side continues its push for safety in the German top flight, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Boniface was named on the bench in Bremen’s 1–1 draw away to Stuttgart after recovering from knee surgery.

Although he remained an unused substitute, the 26-year-old could feature before the end of the season, with upcoming fixtures against Augsburg, Hoffenheim, and Dortmund.

Bremen are currently 12th in the Bundesliga with 32 points and need at least three points from their final three matches to secure safety.

Boniface has not made a competitive appearance for Bremen since playing 11 minutes as a substitute in a 3–2 defeat to Hamburg on December 7, 2025.

The knee injury initially appeared to have ruled him out for the rest of the season, prompting a return to his parent club, Bayer Leverkusen, for rehabilitation.

He returned to Bremen in late March and resumed training.

Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes explained that the decision to loan Boniface last summer was aimed at helping him regain full fitness after an injury-disrupted campaign. However, the striker has continued to struggle with fitness issues this season.

Rolfes maintained that Boniface’s quality is not in doubt, attributing his setbacks to the physical demands of elite football and a congested schedule.

“In his first season he was unbelievable, and his second season was also good,” Rolfes said.

“But in his second season he had injury problems, and last summer we agreed he needed more training to get back into peak condition.”

Before his injury, Boniface made 11 appearances for Bremen following his season-long loan move, registering two assists.

The Nigerian initially struggled to secure a regular starting role during his first three months at the club before the knee injury disrupted his campaign.