'It’s a precautionary measure' - Alonso explains why Onyeka replaced Boniface in Leverkusen squad

Speaking in his pre-match conference ahead of the UEFA Champions League clash with Brest today, Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso made a remark about Francis Onyeka, who has replaced Victor Boniface, for the encounter.

Boniface has been missing in training due to the accident he suffered last weekend and was excluded from the squad to face Brest.

Alonso has described his omission as a precautionary measure, and he could be back for the German Bundesliga matchday eight tie with Werder Bremen at the Weserstadion on Saturday.

In the absence of the Nigerian star, the Spanish tactician has decided to call upon Onyeka, who is regarded as one of the best talents in the club's youth set-up.

The German-Nigerian forward's first involvement with the first team came last season when he was named in the matchday squad for the Bundesliga fixture with FC Augsburg in January.

He also made it to the matchday squad for the game against Borussia Monchengladbach in the same month and was among the substitutes during the DFB-Pokal Cup clash with Carl Zeiss Jena in August.

Alonso has passed his vote of confidence on the Germany youth international but stated that the club are not trying to rush his development.

"We have great hopes for him but we obviously need to be patient. He’s come closer to the team with the last training sessions. I'm happy for him that he is able to gain Champions League experience," Alonso was quoted as saying by Bayer Leverkusen's official website

Onyeka joined Bayer Leverkusen in 2014 at the age of seven and has represented the club's U17s and U19s and will now be looking to make his first team debut.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com