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FC Schalke 04: Mark Uth transfer to Köln contingent on MRI

By Kevin Parvizi

GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 09: Mark Uth of FC Schalke 04 looks on during the Bundesliga match between FC Schalke 04 and Fortuna Duesseldorf at Veltins-Arena on November 9, 2019 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 09: Mark Uth of FC Schalke 04 looks on during the Bundesliga match between FC Schalke 04 and Fortuna Duesseldorf at Veltins-Arena on November 9, 2019 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images) /
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FC Schalke 04 forward Mark Uth has been linked with a loan deal to FC Köln, but it looks like the Germany international’s health is in question after another bout of adductor issues.

Mark Uth has found it difficult to find his form – and the back of the net – in Gelsenkirchen since joining FC Schalke 04 at the start of the 2018-2019 campaign. He was one of many attacking players who struggled under Domenico Tedesco last season, but he hasn’t been able to take a step forward under new manager David Wagner.

Part of that may be due to Uth’s adductor issues, which began in the spring and were exacerbated this winter, but part of that may also be due to a need for a change in scenery.

The 28-year-old has been linked with a move to FC Köln this winter, as a loan deal could be just what’s needed for Uth to find his old Hoffenheim form. Uth was once one of the Bundesliga’s best forwards.

In order for a deal to get done, however, Uth needs a clean bill of health. According to a report from BILD, via Schalke Daily, Uth is Köln’s top target this winter, and he’s headed for an MRI on his adductor on Monday.

If Uth’s MRI turns up negative, there’s a good chance both sides are able to agree to something, which would presumably be a loan deal. If the MRI turns up positive and Uth needs to miss more time with this adductor injury, then there’s no way Köln would commit to acquiring an injured player on a half-season loan deal, which is the expected length.

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Schalke would ideally be able to give Uth first-team experience elsewhere and a chance to flourish with a side like Köln that is aiming to do everything to stay afloat in the Bundesliga after recently being promoted. But if they can’t get a deal done, it’s not the end of the world. Uth would be able to return later in the season, and Schalke already have other talented forwards in Benito Raman, Ahmed Kutucu, and Rabbi Matondo.