‘We're not ruling any player out, not even Victor’ — Boniface offered hope by Werder Bremen boss

Victor Boniface has been handed a potential lifeline in his recovery journey after Werder Bremen coach Daniel Thioune hinted at a possible return.

With a crucial derby looming, the Nigerian striker’s comeback could arrive just in time to influence Bremen’s survival fight.

Boniface has been sidelined since December 2025 after suffering a serious knee injury that required surgery, keeping him out of action for several months.

Now back in individual training, the striker is edging closer to full fitness, and Thioune has refused to rule him out of contention for the upcoming clash against Hamburger SV.

“We’re not ruling any player out, not even Victor,” the Bremen boss said, while stressing that a final decision will depend on how the forward responds in training.

Despite the optimism, Thioune made it clear that Boniface is not yet ready for a full match, and any involvement would likely come from the bench as the club carefully manages his return.

The timing of Boniface’s potential return could hardly be more significant, with Bremen locked in a tense relegation battle. Sitting just above the drop zone, they head into the North German derby under pressure following a run of poor results.

Their opponents, Hamburger SV, are not entirely safe either, making the clash a high-stakes encounter for both sides. Bremen will also have to cope without suspended captain Marco Friedl, further complicating their task.

In Boniface’s absence, players like Romano Schmid and Justin Njinmah have carried the attacking burden, but his return, even for a brief cameo, could provide a much-needed spark.

With survival on the line and emotions running high, Boniface’s possible comeback adds an extra layer of intrigue to a derby that could define Bremen’s season.