Schalke have been dealt another blow following their 3-0 loss to Eintracht Frankfurt on Matchday 11: strike duo Mark Uth and Breel Embolo both sustained injuries during the game and may not be back in Bundesliga action until after the winter break.
Uth had been looking forward to joining up with the Germany squad for this week's friendly against Russia and a crunch UEFA Nations League clash with the Netherlands, but the 27-year-old will have to wait to win his second international cap after limping off against the Eagles with a thigh injury. He is expected to be unavailable for the final eight games of 2018.
Embolo, meanwhile, did report for international duty with Switzerland in Lugano on Monday, but was sent back to Gelsenkirchen after a scan revealed a fracture in his left foot, which could keep him out for anywhere between three and six weeks.
Royal Blues coach Domenico Tedesco has already been without Germany U21 striker Cedric Teuchert since mid-October due to a hip injury, but still has two fit centre-forwards at his disposal in Guido Burgstaller and Franco Di Santo. Schalke are next in action on Saturday 24 November when they entertain Nuremberg at the Veltins Arena.