Werder Bremen head of professional football Peter Niemeyer has delivered a candid update on the fitness of striker Victor Boniface, admitting that it remains far too early to determine when the Nigerian forward will be ready for a return to action.

Boniface is currently continuing his rehabilitation at Bayer Leverkusen following knee surgery to address cartilage damage.

Although he is on loan at Werder Bremen, the striker is working back to full fitness with his parent club as part of a carefully structured recovery programme.

As short clips of Boniface stepping up his recovery circulate, optimism has naturally grown among supporters.

However, Niemeyer has moved to temper expectations, stressing that the process cannot be rushed.

Speaking to DeichStube, the Werder Bremen official offered a measured assessment of the situation.

"He's completing his rehab in Leverkusen, and we're happy about every bit of progress. But it's still impossible to predict how quickly he'll be fully fit again," Niemeyer said.

Niemeyer also addressed speculation about whether the forward could make a late-season comeback for Werder. He was clear in outlining the club’s stance.

"Due to the rehabilitation process, we don't expect Victor to play for Werder again this season," he added.

Both clubs had anticipated a lengthy spell on the sidelines immediately after surgery, and that projection remains unchanged. For now, the focus is firmly on steady rehabilitation rather than setting deadlines.

Werder Bremen will continue to monitor Boniface’s progress from afar, encouraged by each step forward but fully aware that, as Niemeyer put it, predicting his return remains impossible.

Wale Adejumo