Bitter news from FC Schalke 04 on Sunday morning. Coach Thomas Reis must do without a trio for the time being, as the club announced.

Quite proudly, coach Thomas Reis of Bundesliga club FC Schalke 04 sat on the podium during a press conference the day before the relegation battle thriller against Hertha BSC, talking about “25 outfield players” in training and about finally having a choice again. A few days later, Schalke has three more points on its account after the furious 5:2 (2:1) triumph – but four players less.

Maya Yoshida was already absent against Berlin due to a torn muscle fiber. Three professionals who were injured during the game are out for the time being, as the Königsblauen announced on Sunday morning. “Ralf Fährmann, Tim Skarke and Cedric Brunner will not be available to FC Schalke 04 in the Bundesliga away match at SC Freiburg on Sunday (23.4.), each is expected to be out for several weeks,” the Königsblauen website reads.

Goalkeeper Ralf Fährmann had suffered an adductor injury without any interference from an opponent. He is now being replaced by Alexander Schwolow. The new substitute goalkeeper is veteran Michael Langer, who had started the season as the fourth S04 goalkeeper. But third keeper Justin Heekeren (cruciate ligament tear) is also missing.

Right-back Cedric Brunner had fallen on his shoulder in the second half of the Hertha game. “Here are still pending further examinations,” informed the Schalker. However, it apparently does not look good. For Brunner, the Turkish new international Mehmet Can Aydin is likely to move into the team. Second variant: Henning Matriciani moves from left to right, Jere Uronen returns in his place.

Tim Skarke, who had set up the win against Hertha with a dream goal and a great assist, suffered a deep laceration to his ankle and was taken to the hospital during the game where he was stitched up by team doctor Dr. Patrick Ingelfinger. Skarke’s first replacement as a right winger is Kenan Karaman. Rodrigo Zalazar and Dominick Drexler, otherwise at home in the playmaker position, could also help out.

Schalke will also have to replace Tom Krauß (yellow suspension) in the match at SC Freiburg. It is unlikely that Sebastian Polter and Soichiro Kozuki will return once again this season.

Schalke lineup without the injured quartet Schwolow – Aydin (alternative: Uronen), Jenz, Kaminski (alternative: Greiml), Matriciani (alternatives: Uronen/Ouwejan) – Latza (alternative: Tauer), Kral – Drexler (alternative: Zalazar) – Karaman (alternative: Zalazar), Terodde (alternative: Frey), Bülter