FC Schalke’s injury list remains long ahead of the match against Preußen Münster. At least two players are available to return to action.

FC Schalke aims to solidify its excellent position in the standings when it faces Preußen Münster on Saturday (1:30 p.m.). S04 already holds a four-point lead over third place.

Ahead of next week’s top match against league-leading SC Paderborn, coach Miron Muslic’s team could send another strong message. One thing is clear: Schalke will have to travel to Münster with a significantly depleted squad.

Nine players will be unable to play, yet the coach isn’t complaining ahead of Saturday’s 90 minutes. At least Jannik Bachmann and Christopher Antwi-Adjei are back in the squad after recovering from their injuries.

Nikola Catic and Mertcan Ayhan have returned from international duty and are ready, as Muslic said: “They both arrived back on Wednesday afternoon and were able to train fully on Thursday. They’re fit and back in full Schalke mode.”

Looking at the opponent, it’s worth noting that Münster got off to a good start to the season but has won only two of its last eight matches. At home, however, they’re always tough to beat—they’ve lost just one of their six home games so far.

Muslic on the opponent: “Münster’s coach has a clear plan and sticks to it, regardless of the opponent and whether they’re playing at home or on the road. Preußen emphasizes possession, dominance, and passing, and has quality on offense. If we can bring Schalke’s structure onto the field, we have every chance of capitalizing on the way Münster plays. I don’t think they’ll change their style.”

Here’s how FC Schalke could line up against Preußen Münster

Karius – Ayhan, Katic, Kurucay – Gantenbein, Grüger, Schallenberg, Porath – El-Faouzi, Karaman – Sylla

Absent: T. Becker (torn medial ligament), V. Becker (5th yellow card), Gomis (thigh injury), Heekeren (thigh injury), E. Höjlund (foot injury), Kalas (knee injury), Lasme (calf injury), Remmert (thigh injury), Younes (muscle tear)