Bayer Leverkusen will welcome back defender Jonathan Tah for their Bundesliga match against Borussia Mönchengladbach on Saturday, coach Xabi Alonso confirmed. However, striker Victor Boniface will not be fit in time for the game as he continues his recovery from a muscle injury.
Tah, a German international, missed Leverkusen’s midweek victory over Mainz 05 due to illness. The win marked Leverkusen’s seventh consecutive league triumph, the longest streak in the Bundesliga this season. Alonso assured that Tah has recovered and is ready to feature in the starting lineup.
“Jonathan is back and available,” said Alonso during his pre-match press conference.
Meanwhile, Boniface, who has netted six league goals this season, remains out as he works towards full fitness following a thigh injury sustained in late November.
“His progress is good. He trained a bit but isn’t ready for the squad yet,” Alonso explained. “He needs more time to train and regain match fitness, but things are moving in the right direction.”
The Nigerian forward is targeting a return next week when Leverkusen face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League and RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga.
“There is a chance for him to play next week,” Alonso added. “His recovery is going well, and we’re optimistic.”
Leverkusen, currently in second place with 38 points, trail league leaders Bayern Munich by four points. As they balance domestic and European commitments, the return of key players like Tah and Boniface will be crucial for Alonso’s side in the weeks ahead.
