Several regular Schalke 04 players trained individually at the start of the Hannover week. Two U23 talents get a chance to show what they can do.

The goalkeeper question remains open at Schalke 04 following the change of coach to Kees van Wonderen. Ron-Thorben Hoffmann seemed to have the better cards recently, also because previous regular keeper Justin Heekeren missed the first sessions under the new coach.

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

Meanwhile, four players completed individual training sessions at the start of the week. In addition to Adrian Gantenbein and Ilyes Hamache, this included key players Tobias Mohr and Moussa Sylla. Schalke’s top scorer Sylla (six goals) is expected to train with the team again on Tuesday. The striker’s participation in the important away game in Hannover therefore does not appear to be in jeopardy.

Christopher Antwi-Adjei is not quite there yet. The winger began running training on Monday after recovering from a thigh injury. Center back Ibrahima Cissé is still away with the Malian national team. On Tuesday evening, they face Guinea-Bissau in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The 23-year-old could make his debut for the Malian senior team there.

Van Wonderen also gave two talented players from Schalke’s U23 team the opportunity to prove themselves in training with the pros. Nineteen-year-old midfielder Tristan Osmani, who signed a professional contract in the summer, joined striker Seok-ju Hong in the session.

In Hanover, the Royal Blues will be looking to help their new coach make a successful debut and continue their mini-run of two games without defeat. While van Wonderen watched a 2-2 draw in a friendly against FC Aarau during the international break, their upcoming opponents defeated FC St. Pauli 3-2.