FC Schalke 04: Weston McKennie scheduled to return against Hertha Berlin

FC Schalke 04 center midfielder Weston McKennie dislocated his shoulder last month in a game against Eintracht Frankfurt while playing center back, but he’s expected to return in late January or early February.

Weston McKennie’s recovery from a dislocated shoulder against Eintracht Frankfurt in December has seemingly gone well, because FC Schalke 04 expect him back for one of their upcoming fixtures against Hertha Berlin.

The word of McKennie’s scheduled return comes straight from manager David Wagner, who commented on the United States international’s status at a press conference on Thursday.

Schalke will play against Borussia Monchengladbach on Matchday 18 this Friday, will face the equally mighty Bayern Munich next Saturday, and will face Hertha in the Bundesliga on the final day of January in another Friday game.

And immediately after their BuLi fixture against Hertha on Jan. 31, the Royal Blues will face Jurgen Klinsmann’s team again on Feb. 4 at 20:45 CET in the DFB Pokal.

McKennie is expected back for either game, depending on his recovery next week. Per Wagner, McKennie has been training, but he hasn’t started tackling yet. The club hopes he will clear that hurdle during next week’s practices in the build to the Bayern game, though he obviously won’t be ready to face Die Roten.

While Schalke are stout in the midfield with Suat Serdar and Omar Mascarell shining in box-to-box and holding roles, respectively, having McKennie back would be a huge boost. Amine Harit’s recent thigh injury is a reminder of how vital depth in midfield is, since McKennie could help cover for that absence. And McKennie’s overall versatility makes his presence that much more beneficial to the Royal Blues, as he acquitted himself well in the Hinrunde in emergency starts at center back.

It’s great to hear McKennie is progressing well from a scary injury, and he should be ready to make an impact against Hertha Berlin in a few weeks.