Schalke are looking to bounce back after their 4-0 defeat to Darmstadt 98 in the cup. However, the task against Karlsruher SC will be a difficult one, especially given Schalke’s lack of strikers.

The match between Karlsruher SC and FC Schalke 04 on Saturday (1 p.m.) is actually just a duel between seventh and first place. But it’s a close race in the 2nd Bundesliga.

If KSC defeat the Royal Blues, they will be three points behind coach Miron Muslic’s team, who are looking to bounce back after Wednesday’s 4-0 defeat to Darmstadt 98 in the DFB Cup.

Another defeat or a draw could see Schalke lose their place at the top of the table. At the press conference ahead of the away game at KSC, Muslic spoke about the aftermath of the Darmstadt defeat and the KSC game, where he will have to do without four attackers and a total of six S04 players.
Miron Muslic on…

…the squad: “The most positive thing is that we don’t have any new injuries. Vitalie Becker has been training hard for the past two and a half days and will return to the starting lineup. Otherwise, the squad remains unchanged.”

…the cup exit: “We have to be able to look ourselves in the mirror; our performance on Wednesday wasn’t good enough. We have grown steadily as a team, but a short setback like this can also be very important for further growth.“

…possible further changes to the starting lineup: ”We have a few absences in attack, there’s no denying that. In the past, we have never complained or whined. It’s always about performance. There are games where little works. That’s not nice, but it’s part of the game. I’m sure that we will respond as a collective. We still have one or two options in attack.“

… the opponents from Karlsruhe: ”KSC are the next top team awaiting us – with clear processes and a clear structure. A team that will demand everything from us. That’s why we have to be fully focused.”

This is how FC Schalke could line up against Karlsruher SC

Karius – Ayhan, Katic, Kurucay – Gantenbein, El-Faouzi, Schallenberg, Becker – Bachmann, Karaman – Sylla

Missing: Antwi-Adjei (calf injury), T. Becker (torn ligament), Gomis (thigh injury), E. Höjlund (foot injury), Kalas (knee injury), Lasme (calf injury)

Suspension looming: Gantenbein