Ahead of Saturday's away match against Greuther Fürth in the German second division, Schalke 04 coach Miron Muslic doubts the readiness of his first-choice goalkeeper, Loris Karius. The Englishman is complaining of back pain and his participation in the match is uncertain. In his absence, Kevin Müller, who made his debut in the win against Magdeburg, will start in goal. Schalke, as the league leaders, want to maintain their winning streak in Fürth.

Karius's participation uncertain

Schalke 04's regular goalkeeper Loris Karius is plagued by back problems. Coach Miron Muslic admitted that the player is still feeling discomfort and the decision on his participation in Saturday's match will be made on Friday after intensive medical care.

Potential replacement Müller

In case of Karius's absence, Kevin Müller would make his debut in goal for Schalke, having already replaced his injured teammate in the previous, winning match against Magdeburg. Coach Muslic is satisfied with the debutant's performance.

Fight to maintain the lead

The match against the bottom-placed team, Greuther Fürth, is of key importance for Schalke 04 to defend its leading position in the 2. Bundesliga. The Gelsenkirchen club wants to extend its winning streak after a previous period of weaker form.

Opponent's stabilization

Coach Muslic notes that under the guidance of new coach Heiko Vogel, the Fürth team has stabilized, changing tactics to a more defensive one after earlier defensive problems. He expects a tough, confident opponent.

Ahead of a crucial away match in the German second division, FC Schalke 04 is dealing with an injury problem concerning its starting goalkeeper, Loris Karius. The Englishman, a former Liverpool goalkeeper, is complaining of back pain, which casts doubt on his participation in Saturday's match against Greuther Fürth. The Gelsenkirchen team's coach, Miron Muslic, confirmed this information at a press conference, while also noting that the final decision will be made on Friday, after the last day of intensive rehabilitation conducted by the club's medical staff. Loris Karius, born in 1993, is a German goalkeeper who spent a significant part of his career at English club Liverpool. His performance in the 2018 Champions League final, marred by errors, became a turning point in his career, after which he went on loan to Beşiktaş and Union Berlin, before permanently joining Newcastle United in 2022. Since the 2024/25 season, he has been a player for Schalke 04. In case of Karius's absence, Kevin Müller will get a chance between the posts. This goalkeeper has already made his debut for the „Königsblauen” in the previous round, when he replaced his injured teammate in a spectacular victory over Magdeburg. Coach Muslic expressed satisfaction with the debutant's performance, emphasizing that the team won and Müller was „very happy”. „"Loris kennt seinen Körper am besten. Er wurde intensiv behandelt und gepflegt von der medizinischen Abteilung."” — Miron Muslic The match against the bottom-placed team, Greuther Fürth, is of strategic importance for Schalke 04. The Gelsenkirchen team, the current leader of the 2. Bundesliga, wants to defend its top position and extend its winning streak, which came after a period of weaker results, described by Muslic as a „durststrecke” (literally: a period of thirst, a dry spell). The coach noted that his players „have an appetite for winning”. At the same time, he warned against underestimating the opponent, who under the guidance of new coach Heiko Vogel has stabilized. Muslic pointed out that Fürth changed its playing system to limit the number of goals conceded, and after a win in the so-called „kellerduell” (basement duel) against Bielefeld, gained confidence. Nevertheless, the Schalke coach assures that his team is also „swelling with confidence” and wants to show it on the pitch. The match will take place on Saturday evening at 20:30 at the stadium in Fürth.

Mentioned People

  • Loris Karius — Goalkeeper for FC Schalke 04, struggling with a back injury ahead of the match against Greuther Fürth.
  • Miron Muslic — Football coach, manager of FC Schalke 04, who discussed squad problems at a press conference ahead of the match.
  • Kevin Müller — Goalkeeper for FC Schalke 04, potential replacement for the injured Loris Karius in the upcoming match.
  • Heiko Vogel — New coach of Greuther Fürth, under whose leadership the team is said to have stabilized defensively.