At the start of the Hannover week, several Schalke 04 first-team players trained individually. Two U23 talents were able to show themselves.

The goalkeeper question at Schalke 04 remains open after Kees van Wonderen took over as coach. Most recently, Ron-Thorben Hoffmann seemed to have the better cards – also because the previous first-choice keeper Justin Heekeren missed the first sessions under the new coach.

But just in time for the start of the week before the second division game at Hannover 96 on Saturday (1 p.m., Sky), Heekeren reported back. The 23-year-old, who has not been flawless of late, has overcome his thigh problems and took part in goalkeeper training again on Monday. During the course of the week, he will have the opportunity to convince van Wonderen not to make a change between the posts.

Meanwhile, a quartet completed an individual session at the beginning of the week. In addition to Adrian Gantenbein and Ilyes Hamache, this included the key players Tobias Mohr and Moussa Sylla. Schalke’s top scorer Sylla (six goals) is expected to return to training with the team on Tuesday. This means that the striker’s place in the important away game in Hanover does not appear to be in jeopardy.

Winger Christopher Antwi-Adjei is not yet ready to return to action, but he began running training on Monday after recovering from his thigh injury. Center back Ibrahima Cissé is still with the Malian national team. On Tuesday evening, they will play against Guinea-Bissau in the Africa Cup qualifier. The 23-year-old could make his debut for the Malian first team there.

In addition, van Wonderen gave two talented players from Schalke’s U23 team the opportunity to prove themselves in training with the professionals. 19-year-old midfielder Tristan Osmani, who signed a professional contract in the summer, was involved, as was striker Seok-ju Hong.

In Hanover, the Royal Blues would like to help their new coach make a successful debut – and build on their mini-series of two games without defeat. While van Wonderen saw a 2-2 draw in the international break in a test match against FC Aarau, the upcoming opponent defeated FC St. Pauli 3-2.