FC Schalke 04 won’t have to face Kingsley Coman
FC Schalke 04 have two extremely difficult games coming out of the mid-season break, but they won’t have to face Bayern Munich star winger Kingsley Coman in the second of those two contests.
The Royal Blues have clear designs on getting back to the Champions League after David Wagner’s first season in charge. And while FC Schalke 04 are seven points behind league leaders RB Leipzig, they aren’t out of the title race either.
Schalke will have an opportunity to make serious statements in their first two games after the international break, as they will take on former league leaders Borussia Monchengladbach on Jan. 17 before facing usual league leaders Bayern Munich on Jan. 25.
According to a report from BILD’s Christian Falk, Kingsley Coman will still unavailable for Bayern’s games against Hertha Berlin – whom the Royal Blues will also face on Jan. 31 – and Schalke in January. Coman is still recovering from a knee injury he suffered on Dec. 12 in the Champions League against Tottenham.
Since Coman is unable to play, Bayern will likely start veteran Inter Milan loanee Ivan Perisic as the left winger across from Serge Gnabry, assuming Gnabry is recovered from his Achilles’ injury by the time Schalke head to the Allianz Arena.
Coman’s absence helps the Royal Blues, because Jonjoe Kenny could be exposed at right back against Coman, who is a consistent threat to defenses. The player is unafraid to take on all comers and can form one of the most potent fullback/winger tandems in Europe with rising star Alphonso Davies. Per WhoScored.com, Coman leads all Bayern players with 3.3 dribbles completed per game and 1.7 fouls drawn per game.
Next. Schalke interested in Anderlecht keeper. dark
Schalke will have a tough task ahead of them on Jan. 25 on the road against Bayern, who look poised for a strong Ruckrunde. But with Coman out of the lineup, Die Knappen’s chances look better, especially since Coman is known for providing magical moments down that left-hand side.