Boniface, 25, who is on loan at Werder Bremen, has endured a challenging season marked by injuries and inconsistent performances. His recent knee injury initially seemed season-ending, but he has since returned to training, offering hope that he might still contribute in the club’s fight against relegation.
Despite this return, doubts about Boniface’s fitness have surfaced, making his inclusion in upcoming matches, including Saturday’s fixture against RB Leipzig, unlikely.
Speaking on the Flatterball Podcast, as reported by Bild, Kruse did not hold back in assessing the forward’s attitude. “I think he's already given up on his career. He actually still has his best years ahead of him,” Kruse said. “That's a real shame, because he has such great potential.”
Kruse stressed that dramatic weight loss in a short period is unrealistic and warned that returning in poor condition could have long-term consequences for Boniface’s career. “I eventually realised that it doesn't work if you say overnight, 'I'm just going to lose 10 to 15 kilos with four weeks of training,'” he added.
Werder Bremen head coach Daniel Thioune offered a more measured perspective, suggesting Boniface could feature later in the season, potentially against Cologne or Hamburg. However, even if he returns, the striker is expected to play a limited role, likely coming off the bench as he works back to full match fitness.
The situation highlights the delicate balance between talent, fitness, and professionalism in top-flight football, as Bremen continue their battle to avoid relegation.