Second division club FC Schalke 04 will be without midfielder Janik Bachmann for several weeks.
The 28-year-old professional underwent a minor operation on his right knee on Monday, the Royal Blues announced. Bachmann will now initially suspend team training and instead work individually on his return in rehab, it said.
If his absence extends into the second half of the season, it would be bitter from FC Schalke 04’s perspective: Janik Bachmann is one of the constants under coach Kees van Wonderen.
He has appeared in competitive games for S04 16 times so far this season. The flexible player scored one goal and two assists.
Bachmann sustained his injury in Friday’s 4-1 win at SV Elversberg. He had landed unluckily after almost an hour as a result of an aerial duel. Tomas Kalas came on to replace him.
FC Schalke 04 also shares two positive personnel news
Schalke had also announced two positive personnel changes on Monday: homegrown player Max Grüger extended his contract until June 30, 2028.
“Max has developed very well since he joined the professionals in the summer preparation. He has taken the important step from talent to player with regular playing times,” said interim sports director Youri Mulder.
“From the U9 to the professionals – with this path, Max is a prime example of the good work in our Knappenschmiede. Whether under Norbert Elgert in the U19, under Jakob Fimpel, who threw him into the deep end in Münster, or under Kees van Wonderen , who puts a lot of trust in Max – everyone can be proud of the result,” the Dutchman continued.
According to Schalke, U19 talent Mika Khadr will soon follow a similar path to Grüger. The 18-year-old tied himself to the Revierklub with a licensed player contract that is also valid until 2028.