FC Schalke 04 will face VfB Stuttgart in the basement duel on Saturday. Right-back Cedric Brunner is out.

Bundesliga side FC Schalke 04 will have to do without defender Cedric Brunner in their clash with direct relegation rivals VfB Stuttgart on Saturday.

The 29-year-old right-back from Switzerland broke his nasal bone during the 0-0 draw with Union Berlin on Sunday. Sports director Peter Knäbel reported on Tuesday. “Now, fortunately, we have enough alternatives in the squad,” Knäbel said in view of six winter additions that the bottom team in the table had signed on loan.

The most likely replacement for Brunner, however, will be a player who has been at the club for some time. Homegrown Mehmet Aydin has come off the bench in recent weeks and now has a chance to make his second starting eleven appearance of the season. Other options would be Henning Matriciani or newcomer Niklas Tauer, who is waiting for his debut for S04.

Knäbel sees his winter transfer policy confirmed in view of four games without defeat and without conceding a goal. However, since Schalke also failed to score a goal or win a match, Knäbel feels the promoted team will be under pressure on Saturday (6.30pm). “We have to make the breakthrough now. Everyone is waiting for the initial spark,” said Knäbel, who, given the importance of the match, also spoke to the team before training this afternoon to get them in the mood for the game. (with RS)