Edin Džeko
S04
Center Forward
Target Striker
Mar 17, 1986 (40)
Right
6'4"
176 lb
Returns to bench
Dzeko (head) is on the bench for Saturday's match against Koln.
Analysis: Dzeko is available as a substitute after a significant head laceration put his involvement in doubt. The striker returned to full team training Thursday following individual work and has now been cleared to feature. He provides an experienced attacking option off the bench, though his inclusion does not guarantee playing time. His condition could still require monitoring as the wound continues to heal.
Optimistic about Saturday return
Dzeko (head) remains questionable for Saturday's Bundesliga clash against Koln despite participating fully in Thursday's training session, according to coach Miron Muslic. "We're optimistic and confident that we can win this race against time."
Analysis: Dzeko has made encouraging progress after suffering a significant head laceration, returning to full team training Thursday following a period of individual work. The veteran striker was able to participate actively despite the injury, although the wound's healing remains a concern ahead of Saturday's encounter against Koln. Manager Miron Muslic expressed optimism about his chances of featuring, but a final decision will depend on whether the wound has healed sufficiently by matchday. The 40-year-old remains in contention to provide Schalke with an additional attacking option, with his availability likely to be assessed closer to kickoff.
Returns to training ahead of Koln
Dzeko (head) resumed full team training Thursday after recovering from a head laceration, putting him in contention for Saturday's Bundesliga clash against Koln, according to Constantin Klemm of Bild.
Analysis: Dzeko has returned to full team training after being limited to individual work due to a head laceration sustained recently. The veteran striker completed Thursday's session without the protective head bandage he had previously worn, requiring only a small dressing over the wound. His return suggests he is available for Saturday's clash against Koln, although his role in the matchday squad and potential starting status remain uncertain. The 40-year-old could provide Schalke with an additional attacking option after overcoming the injury.
Requires stitches for head wound
Dzeko sustained a deep head laceration during Saturday's Bundesliga clash against Mainz, requiring several stitches to close the wound, according to the club.
Analysis: Dzeko suffered a head injury following a collision against Mainz, leaving him with a laceration several centimeters long that required stitches from the club's medical staff. The striker initially continued playing after receiving treatment but was substituted just two minutes later, with Hee-Chan Hwang replacing him. Although the club has confirmed the extent of the wound, no recovery timeline has been provided, leaving his availability for Schalke's next Bundesliga clash against Koln uncertain.
Substituted after head injury
Dzeko was substituted two minutes after sustaining a head laceration in a collision during the Bundesliga match against 1. FSV Mainz 05
Analysis: Dzeko picked up a head laceration in a collision against 1. FSV Mainz 05 and initially continued after receiving treatment, but he was taken off two minutes later, with Hee-Chan Hwang replacing him. Although he was able to remain on the field briefly, the eventual substitution leaves questions over whether the injury was more concerning than initially apparent.
Retires from international football
Dzeko played his final game for Bosnia and Herzegovina in Friday's Nations League draw with Sweden and has now retired from international football, FIFA.com reports.
Analysis: Dzeko brings the curtain down on an international career that began with a goal on his debut in 2007 and ends with him as Bosnia and Herzegovina's record goalscorer and most capped player, with 73 goals in 152 appearances. The 40 year old was the standout figure of the side that reached the country's first World Cup in 2014 and captained them again at this summer's tournament, and his team mates formed a guard of honour for him when he was substituted against Sweden. His focus now turns fully to Schalke, where the international breaks could offer him some valuable rest at 40.
Starts on Sunday
Dzeko registered three shots (zero on goal) in Sunday's 0-0 draw against SV 07 Elversberg.
Analysis: Dzeko had a shot blocked, made 17 passes and also recorded an interception. This was his first start of the campaign and he is yet to register a goal contribution.
Logs 10 minutes in final friendly
Dzeko (thigh) came on as a substitute in the 80th minute of Sunday's offseason game against Real Madrid.
Analysis: Dzeko is ready for the 2026/27 campaign, giving Schalke a highly experienced attacking option heading into the first Pokal round and the Bundesliga opener. The striker is expected to compete and possibly share playing time with Moussa Sylla and Junior Adamu in upcoming action, and he should be a valuable goal threat as long as the team is able to generate a few chances.
Signs new deal at Schalke
Dzeko signed a new one year contract with Schalke, the club announced.
Analysis: Dzeko joined Schalke last January from Fiorentina and became a key contributor during the club's promotion push, scoring six goals and adding three assists in 11 appearances. He represented Bosnia and Herzegovina at this summer's World Cup, his second tournament since 2014, as the team's captain. At the striker position, Dzeko is expected to compete with Moussa Sylla and Junior Adamu for playing time as Schalke begins its return to the Bundesliga.
Enters free agency after Schalke
Dzeko is a free agent after his contract with Schalke expired on June 30.
Analysis: Dzeko joined Schalke in January on a deal through the end of the 2025/26 season, arriving from Fiorentina and immediately making an impact, scoring six goals with three assists in his first several appearances as the club secured promotion to the Bundesliga. With his contract now expired and no extension finalized, Dzeko's next step is unresolved. At 40, his market is likely to hinge on whether a club can offer him a clear role rather than a bench spot. Nothing has been confirmed yet on whether he returns to Schalke for their first Bundesliga season back or explores a fresh free-agent destination.
Leaves field injured
Dzeko was forced off the field in the 51st minute of Wednesday's match against the USA due to an apparent leg injury.
Analysis: Dzeko would exit the field just a few minutes into the second half Wednesday, with the forward exiting after he appeared to pull up with discomfort in his leg. The forward looked to be holding his leg around his thigh area, likely signaling some discomfort in that region. If Bosnia is to advance, this is something to monitor, as he has started in their last three games. Ermin Mahmic was brought on in Dzeko's place after his exit.
Two shots during start
Dzeko recorded two shots (zero on target) in Thursday's 4-1 loss to Switzerland.
Analysis: Dzeko was back on the field Thursday after he was held to an unused bench role in the last contest, playing 64 minutes in the loss. He would see two shots in the outing, but was unable to put either on net. He will now eye a starting role as they prepare to face Qatar, a huge match if they want to remain in the World Cup, with Dzeko typically rising to the occasion.
Ready for Switzerland
Dzeko (undisclosed) returned to full training with the Bosnia and Herzegovina squad in Salt Lake City as the team prepares for their second group stage fixture against Switzerland on Thursday, according to Reprezentacija.
Analysis: Dzeko had not featured in Friday's 1-1 draw against Canada but his full participation in training is a clear indication he will be available and ready to contribute against Switzerland in Los Angeles. The veteran's availability is a significant boost for coach Sergej Barbarez as Bosnia look to bounce back from the opening draw and secure a positive result in their second group game.
Doesn't play vs. Canada
Dzeko didn't come off the bench in Friday's 1-1 draw against Canada.
Analysis: Dzeko was deemed "likely available" for this WC opener, but the veteran striker didn't play in a game where Bosnia spent most of the second half trying to protect their one-goal lead. Dzeko will aim to be an option for the second group-stage match against Switzerland on Thursday, June 18.
Should be option
Dzeko (undisclosed) will likely be eligible for Friday's clash against Canada, with Bosnia manager Sergej Barbarez saying "Edin is here and Edin will compete for the game quite normally.", reprezentacija.ba reports.
Analysis: Dzeko has resumed full training despite fears that he would miss the World Cup opener due to his recent injury struggles. What remains unclear is whether the veteran will be ready to start, with an appearance off the bench a viable scenario for the initial match. After that, he could push for more involvement at the expense of either Jovo Lukic or Ermedin Demirovic, emerging as one of the team's biggest offensive threats.
Logs full training session Thursday
Dzeko (undisclosed) trained in full Thursday and should be available for Friday's World Cup opener against Canada, according to Bosnian Football.
Analysis: Dzeko rejoined team training Wednesday and also logged a full session Thursday, so he shouldn't have problems playing in the team's opening match against Canada. Dzeko should be the team's main reference in the attack.
Back in team training for World Cup
Dzeko (undisclosed) has returned from injury and rejoined team training ahead of Bosnia's World Cup opener against Canada. Bosnian Football reports.
Analysis: Dzeko returned to team training after an injury concern that had kept him working individually and ruled him out of the last two friendlies. The return of Bosnia's all-time top scorer, who contributed six goals throughout the qualifying campaign including a crucial late equaliser against Wales in the playoff semi-final, is a major boost for the squad heading into their World Cup opener against Canada, though his availability to start will depend on how he progresses over the coming days and whether he is considered fit enough.
Absent from team training Tuesday
Dzeko (undisclosed) has yet to rejoin the rest of Bosnia-Herzegovina's squad in training ahead of the World Cup opening match against Canada, Bosnian Football reports.
Analysis: Dzeko's status appears to be a huge question mark in the Bosnian lineup, with the striker now at serious risk of missing action due to the issue. In case the veteran is ruled out, Ermedin Demirovic and Jovo Lukic could see extended outings in the front line. Dzeko sat out the last couple of international friendlies, before which he had scored seven goals and three assists over 13 games played for both club and country in 2026.
Still in recovery, out for friendly
Dzeko won't play in the final friendly game against Panama as he continues to struggle with a small issue, with Bosnia coach Sergej Barbarez revealing that "Dzeko is still dealing with a minor injury and will not be in the squad against Panama at all. We are getting him ready for the World Cup opener against Canada next week.", according to Bosnian Football.
Analysis: Dzeko is targeting a return in the World Cup opener, though he hasn't seen action since May 17 after being sidelined in all of the international practice games. The veteran striker will lead his country's front line if fully healthy, but otherwise Ermedin Demirovic, Haris Tabakovic (ankle) and Jovo Lukic could benefit with increased roles. If Dzeko is ready to play, he'll likely be able to rack up shooting numbers against most opposition.
Will be fit for opener
Dzeko (undisclosed) has been confirmed fully fit by coach Sergej Barbarez, who revealed the veteran was deliberately rested for the friendly against North Macedonia and will return to full training from Monday, according to Reprezentacija. "We consciously rested him for this match. He will completely normally enter training from Monday."
Analysis: Dzeko's fitness is a significant boost for Bosnia and Herzegovina heading into the World Cup, with the veteran striker remaining the most important attacking figure in the squad despite his age. The coaching staff managed his workload carefully ahead of the tournament opener against Canada on June 12, and the positive update confirms there is no underlying fitness concern to worry about as preparations enter their final phase.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare