FC Schalke 04 - injuries & suspensions October 2026

FC Schalke 04: 2026/27 season preview

FC Schalke 04 begin the 2026/2027 season as newcomers to the Bundesliga, though it is difficult to put them in the same category as typical promoted sides. After three years in Germany’s second tier, Schalke won the 2. Bundesliga in the 2025/2026 season and secured their return to the top flight. It was a clear step forward after finishing 10th and 14th in the previous two campaigns.

Miron Muslić is in charge of rebuilding the team, having taken over in the summer of 2025. Under his leadership, Schalke played aggressively and with intensity, while maintaining an adventurous approach. The result was a highly disciplined defence. The team conceded just 31 goals last season, fewer than any other side in the 2. Bundesliga.

Džeko stays on

Edin Džeko remains the best-known player in the squad. The Bosnian joined Schalke in January 2026 and quickly became part of the team’s promotion push. He scored six goals and provided three assists in 11 2. Bundesliga appearances. In the summer, he extended his contract until the end of the 2026/2027 season.

The 40-year-old striker is therefore returning to the Bundesliga after 15 years. He previously played for VfL Wolfsburg, scoring 66 goals in 111 league appearances. In the 2008/2009 season, he won the German championship with the club. At Schalke, he is also one of the most experienced players and a member of the six-man leadership group.

Gosens the next major signing

Schalke have brought in Robin Gosens to strengthen the left flank. The 32-year-old Germany international has joined on loan from Fiorentina and returns to the Bundesliga after previously playing for Union Berlin. He has made more than 200 appearances in Serie A and featured 24 times for the Germany national team.

Junior Dina Ebimbe, from Eintracht Frankfurt, has also strengthened the squad. The Frenchman can play on either flank as well as in central midfield. Satoshi Tanaka, from Fortuna Düsseldorf, and Maximilian Wöber, from Leeds United, have also joined Schalke.

The core of the team remains

Schalke have not opted for a squad overhaul following promotion. The club have kept the players who played a major role in their title-winning season. Nikola Katić continues to organise the defence and is one of the team’s most important players at set pieces. Timo Becker remains vice-captain, while Ron Schallenberg and Soufiane El-Faouzi continue to form the midfield. Kenan Karaman has retained the captain’s armband. The squad also includes Moussa Sylla, Junior Adamu, Mertcan Ayhan and Adil Aouchiche. Schalke have chosen to retain the core of the team that earned promotion rather than start from scratch.

Karius between the posts

Loris Karius has rebuilt his standing in Gelsenkirchen after earlier spells at clubs including Liverpool. He played 30 league matches in the 2025/2026 season and kept 13 clean sheets. The club extended his contract until June 2028 in the summer, and Karius began the new campaign as first-choice goalkeeper.

A new challenge for Muslić

Schalke now face a much tougher task: finding out whether the methods that brought success in the 2. Bundesliga will also work a level higher. Muslić’s team build their game around intensity, sound organisation without the ball and quick transitions into attack. That is why the club focused primarily on adding depth to the existing squad over the summer. Džeko is expected to provide more options in attack, Gosens to strengthen the wing-back position, while Wöber and Dina Ebimbe will give the coach additional tactical options.