Bayer Leverkusen manager explains Victor Boniface's Europa League omission

Bayer Leverkusen manager Carles Martinez has clarified why striker Victor Boniface was excluded from the club’s UEFA Europa League squad for the 2026/27 season. Despite a promising pre-season, the Nigerian international was omitted due to ongoing fitness concerns.

Martinez explained that during the club’s initial preparations, Boniface was struggling with knee pain and was physically behind the rest of the squad. While the striker’s condition has shown significant improvement, he was not deemed ready for European competition at the time of squad selection.

The manager expressed optimism regarding Boniface’s recovery, noting that his knee is responding better to treatment. Martinez emphasized that the striker remains a key part of his plans and could potentially rejoin the European squad as his fitness continues to improve.