Brunner could be back as early as the derby against VfL Bochum

Could Cedric Brunner return to the FC Schalke 04 line-up as early as the derby in Bochum? The right-back wants to train with a mask.

FC Schalke 04 were short of substitutes when they faced VfB Stuttgart on Saturday evening – but still celebrated a hard-fought 2:1 (2:0) victory. What is the personnel situation before the upcoming Revierderby at VfL Bochum (Saturday, 15.30/Sky)? Coach Thomas Reis gave an update after the Stuttgart game.

He has the highest hopes for a quick comeback with Cedric Brunner. The right-back, who was injured in the closing stages of the game against 1. FC Union Berlin (0:0), underwent surgery for a broken nose bone and was therefore unable to play against Stuttgart. “The risk was simply too great,” said Reis. But a mask was made for Brunner. “I hope he will be able to join the training. We have to wait and see if the mask will hinder him,” Reis explained.

Against Stuttgart, Brunner was deputised by Mehmet Can Aydin, who had good moments, but also not so good ones. “He did a decent job,” Reis summed up. In Bochum, the Königsblauen’s right-back – whoever it will be – will get a lot of work. Bochum’s left winger Christopher Antwi-Adjej is one of the fastest players in the Bundesliga.

On the left side of defence, however, there are no signs of a quick comeback for Jere Uronen or Thomas Ouwejan. Ouwejan, in particular, would miss “another week or two”, according to Reis. Adductor problems are responsible for this. Henning Matriciani is therefore likely to be first choice in Bochum as well. Reis had a lot of praise for Matriciani: “Henning is a player you can always throw in. You can put him in front, even in goal. He would give the shirt off his back for that. Maybe he lacks quality now and then, but he shows heart. “

Schalke - Stuttgart25. February 2023 — Schalke – Stuttgart25. February 2023

And with the other absentees? Pushing his way back into the squad is Soichiro Kozuki, who missed two games in a row after twisting his ankle in training. He is unlikely to move into the first eleven. Kozuki’s replacement Dominick Drexler scored the goal against Stuttgart to make it 1:0.