DFB Cup in Dresden: Schalke Aims to Overcome Injury Woes

Despite significant injury problems, FC Schalke 04 aims to overcome Dynamo Dresden in the cup. “We’ll be missing a player or two. Still, we have enough players to field a strong starting lineup,” said coach Miron Muslic ahead of Wednesday’s second-round match (6:00 p.m./Sky) in Saxony. He said he has full confidence in the squad, even though the situation is very challenging right now. 

Ljubicic set for a comeback?

Muslic will have to do without nearly an entire starting lineup. Most recently, Robin Gosens and Soufiane El-Faouzi were added to the injury list following their violent collision in the game against Cologne. Dejan Ljubicic, who is getting fitter by the day, offers a glimmer of hope. A decision will be made after the final training session. “If everything looks good, he’ll of course return to the roster,” Muslic said. Edin Dzeko is also back in contention for the starting lineup.

Schalke is aiming to reach the Round of 16 for the first time in a long while. The match is therefore of great importance for both the club and the team. “We want to advance to the next round and hopefully have the opportunity to play the next cup match at home,” said the coach. Accordingly, he added, they’ll field a team that approaches the game with full conviction and actively and boldly seeks to move forward. 

Muslic: Fantastic Atmosphere

The 44-year-old is looking forward to returning to Dresden, especially to the atmosphere in the arena. “We have to be fully prepared for a fantastic atmosphere. We have to embrace that right away on the field,” said Muslic. Dresden is the team with the most running in the 2nd Bundesliga, but struggles to translate its strong performances into results.