Leverkusen leave Boniface out of Europa League squad over fitness

Victor Boniface is not in Bayer Leverkusen's registered Europa League group after the club finalised its list amid doubts over his fitness.

Manager Carles Martinez said the Nigeria striker was not fully fit when the squad was finalised, with concern over his knee and overall physical condition. Reports circulating Sunday, including from Pulse Sports Nigeria and Sportblits, added that Leverkusen still hope Boniface can return to full fitness and be added later in the competition if the rules allow.

The omission sits alongside a strong domestic start. Leverkusen beat Union Berlin 4-0 in the Bundesliga this weekend, even as the European list is thinner in attack. Boniface has been the headline centre-forward through recent seasons; leaving him off a continental list is a selection decision, not a rumour.

What it means for Leverkusen

Leverkusen's Europa League nights will use a registered group without Boniface until, or unless, he is added. No official return date was published with Martinez's comments. Treat any timeline you see on social feeds as unverified unless the club restates it.

The practical note is simple: check the team sheet, not last season's posters. The 4-0 Bundesliga win means this is not being framed as a crisis, but the European attack is still short of its first-choice No. 9 until the medical staff sign him off.

Broadcasters differ by territory and competition, so confirm the listed rights holder closer to kick-off rather than assuming the channel that carried the Union Berlin game. Where-to-watch details will be added to fixture pages once listings are confirmed.

Photo: Pexels.