Danny Latza will miss Schalke at least for the Bochum game. But there is also good news from the training ground.

FC Schalke 04 will have to do without midfielder Danny Latza for the road derby at VfL Bochum. The 33-year-old S04 captain has picked up a muscular injury and will not be available at the Ruhrstadion on Saturday (3.30pm/Sky). “We’ll have to see how serious the injury is,” says licensed player Gerald Asamoah. Latza is also questionable for the match against Borussia Dortmund next Saturday (18.30/Sky).

On Tuesday, the three key players Alex Kral (24), Tom Krauß (21) and Moritz Jenz (23) also had to miss training – but for precautionary reasons. The trio is slightly injured and worked individually in the hall. They are expected to return to normal training with the team on Wednesday, so they will be able to play again against the VfL. There is still a question mark behind Simon Terodde, who was also absent on Tuesday due to illness.

There is good news for the recently injured Soichiro Kozuki (22). After overcoming ankle problems, the Japanese offensive player can continue to increase his training intensity. “We assume that it will be enough until Saturday,” revealed Asamoah. Cedric Brunner (28) is also expected to be available again. The right-back trained with a special protective mask for the first time after breaking his nose on Tuesday. For the Bochum game, he is immediately a starting option for Asamoah again. The Swiss player’s experience in particular would be good for the Schalke team, the licensed player boss is sure.

It is clear that Schalke will not have an easy time against their neighbours. “We must not underestimate Bochum,” warns Asamoah. “VfL are very strong at home and if we don’t perform like we have in recent weeks, it will be very difficult for us in Bochum.