Struggling Schalke will be without Mark Uth for the remainder of the season, with the former Hoffenheim striker needing surgery on a thigh injury.
The 27-year-old, who made his Germany debut last October, has scored just four goals so far this season and is not out of action until next season after being injured during the recent 2-0 DFB-Pokal defeat to Werder Bremen.
Uth requires an operation and will be unable to help Die Konigsblauen try and arrest a slump which has seen them suffer eight defeats in nine games in all competitions.
The complete loss of form has seen them drop down to 14th place in the Bundesliga standings, just four points above Stuttgart - who occupy the spot which would see them involved in a relegation play-off.
However, while Uth is now absent, head coach Huub Stevens has confirmed that midfielder Nabil Bentaleb is set to re-join the first-team squad in Gelsenkirchen after being demoted for off-field issues.
Stevens told the club's official website: "Over the last few days, I have discussed Nabil’s behaviour (with the other coaches).
"The feedback was entirely positive, both regarding his performance in training and his conduct with the Under-23s, so we've decided to call him back to the first team."
Schalke are back in action on Friday evening when they visit Nurnberg, who are one but bottom in the Bundesliga, having won just one game since the end of September.
Die Konigsblauen are 23/20 to register a much-needed win, with the draw priced at 12/5, while a 2-2 draw is available at 14/1.
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Struggling Schalke will be without Mark Uth for the remainder of the season, with the former Hoffenheim striker needing surgery on a thigh injury.
The 27-year-old, who made his Germany debut last October, has scored just four goals so far this season and is not out of action until next season after being injured during the recent 2-0 DFB-Pokal defeat to Werder Bremen.
Uth requires an operation and will be unable to help Die Konigsblauen try and arrest a slump which has seen them suffer eight defeats in nine games in all competitions.
The complete loss of form has seen them drop down to 14th place in the Bundesliga standings, just four points above Stuttgart - who occupy the spot which would see them involved in a relegation play-off.
However, while Uth is now absent, head coach Huub Stevens has confirmed that midfielder Nabil Bentaleb is set to re-join the first-team squad in Gelsenkirchen after being demoted for off-field issues.
Stevens told the club's official website: "Over the last few days, I have discussed Nabil’s behaviour (with the other coaches).
"The feedback was entirely positive, both regarding his performance in training and his conduct with the Under-23s, so we've decided to call him back to the first team."
Schalke are back in action on Friday evening when they visit Nurnberg, who are one but bottom in the Bundesliga, having won just one game since the end of September.
Die Konigsblauen are 23/20 to register a much-needed win, with the draw priced at 12/5, while a 2-2 draw is available at 14/1.
View all Soccer betting
Source: bet365.com