Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen will have striker Victor Boniface back in their squad for Saturday's trip to RB Leipzigroyal circle club, coach Xabi Alonso revealed on Friday. (More Football News)

The Nigeria international, who has scored six league goals in 2024-25, has been sidelined since November with a thigh injury.

He netted 14 times as Leverkusen went unbeaten in their first-ever title-winning campaign in 2023-24, with only eight players bettering that tally.

"Yes. He is in the squad," Alonso said on Friday when asked about Boniface's condition. 

Away days coming up.  pic.twitter.com/KzuRSPsQau

Alonso's team are hoping to bounce back from Tuesday's 2-1 Champions League loss at Atletico Madrid.

In the league, however, Leverkusen are on an eight-game winning run and are in second place on 41 points, four behind leaders Bayern Munich.

"I have always said the Bundesliga is the most important competition for us," Alonso said. 

"We are on a positive wave and we want to stay on it but it will be a tough game for us tomorrow, playing away at Leipzig."

The Spaniard also hinted Leverkusen could be active in the January transfer window after injuries ended the seasons of Jeanuel Belocian and Martin Terrier.

India, the most successful team in the competition, now have five titles, including back-to-back triumphs in 2023 and 2024. The victory adds to their bronze medal secured at the Paris Olympic Games last month.

After a goalless first quarter, Korea struck just 36 seconds into the second quarter with Jungjun Lee finding the net due to a mistake from Pakistan goalkeeper Abdullah Ishtiyaq Khan. The goal remained the difference between the two teams till the half-time.

"We have to be smart and take a smart decisionroyal circle club," Alonso said. "After two serious injuries we have to be active."