Schalke bad luck with injuries: Král's comeback is delayed
Created: 01/10/2023 13:17
A soccer ball is in the net before the game.
© Friso Gentsch/dpa/symbol image
The hoped-for optimistic mood at Bundesliga bottom FC Schalke in the training camp in Belek has not materialized so far.
New staff concerns are clouding the mood.
Gelsenkirchen – The Bundesliga club FC Schalke 04, threatened with relegation, has to accept another personnel setback.
Alex Král's comeback will be delayed.
As the bottom of the table announced on Tuesday, the midfielder suffers from a "disc problem".
That is why coach Thomas Reis cannot plan for the first three competitive games of the new year against Frankfurt, Leipzig and Cologne with the 24-year-old Czech, who has only been able to train to a reduced extent for weeks due to persistent back pain.
“It is positive that we have now been able to identify the cause of the problems.
This gives us a perspective of lasting improvement.
Even though we obviously want to see Alex on the pitch with the team as soon as possible, we will give him the rest he needs,” said sporting director Peter Knäbel.
In addition, Schalke complain about two long-term failures.
Both substitute goalkeeper Justin Heekeren and attacker Sebastian Polter suffered serious knee injuries in the Belek training camp.
During an MRI scan in Gelsenkirchen, Heekeren was diagnosed with an injury to the lateral meniscus and cruciate ligament in his right knee.
The season came to an early end for the 22-year-old: "We expect at least six months downtime," said Knäbel.
Polter (31), who left Turkey last Sunday with a suspected cruciate ligament injury in his right knee, is threatened with a similarly long break.
"Polti will definitely be out longer, that's already certain.
We will know and then communicate everything else in the coming days, ”said Knäbel, referring to further upcoming medical examinations.
dpa
