At 1. FC Kaiserslautern, FC Schalke 04 is looking for its first win in 2024. This is the personnel situation at Schalke.

FC Schalke 04’s first away match is coming up. And with the trip to 1. FC Kaiserslautern, a real traditional duel awaits the miners. It could also be a landmark match in the relegation battle.

“All players are fit, there are no new injuries. That means we have a big group to work with,” said a delighted Karel Geraerts at Schalke’s press conference ahead of the game at Betzenberg.

Two players, Marcin Kaminski and Ron Schallenberg, will be missing through suspension. “I will make my final decision after training tomorrow. But Timo Baumgartl is a player who has been waiting a long time for his chance,” Geraerts revealed about the vacancy in central defense. “I trust that he will present himself well when he gets his chance. I think Timo would be a logical replacement, but I’ll wait for the last training session.”

New signing Darko Churlinov is also likely to be in the squad. The Schalke head coach had this to say about the returnee, who came to Gelsenkirchen from Burnley: “It’s good that he’s here. I had a long chat with Vincent Kompany, who is the coach at Burnley, and I also had a good impression after talking to Darko. He is very motivated and really wants to help Schalke. He’s trained with us twice so far, so I’ll wait and see tomorrow. But when a player is ready in his head, his body will follow.”

Ouwejan or Murkin? “Happy to be able to make this kind of decision”

Geraerts has the “most difficult decision” to make on the left wing between Thomas Ouwejan and Derry Murkin. Before the winter, Murkin was set, but Ouwejan was allowed to start against Hamburger SV (0:2) due to Murkin’s suspension and impressed with more than just two goals. “I’ll have to decide on Friday, but I’m happy to be able to make this kind of decision.”

The Belgian is also spoiled for choice in attack, as he explains: “Bryan Lasme is a week further along in his process. It’s important to see that someone is ready when they come off the bench. I also liked Keke Topp against Hamburg. And Simon Terodde is my captain and an important player who I can always rely on.” Niklas Castelle and Yusuf Kabadyi also received special praise from the head coach.

Blendi Idrizi, meanwhile, is ill, “we’ll have to wait and see how he feels tomorrow,” said Geraerts.