Dejan Ljubicic
S04
Right Wingback
Right Winger
Overlapping Full Back
Oct 8, 1997 (29)
Right
6'2"
163 lb
Could return for DFB-Pokal clash
Ljubicic (knee) could return to Schalke's squad for Wednesday's DFB-Pokal clash against Dynamo Dresden after completing several full team training sessions, according to coach Miron Muslic. "We're waiting for today's training session to see if we get the green light. If we do, he'll obviously be back in the squad."
Analysis: Ljubicic is closing in on his return to competitive action after recovering from a knee injury sustained against Union Berlin on Sept. 11. The 29-year-old has participated in every recent team training session without apparent setbacks, representing significant progress after more than six weeks on the sidelines. Coach Muslic previously suggested that the winger would not be ready until the Bundesliga encounter against RB Leipzig, but his recovery has progressed sufficiently for a potential inclusion in Tuesday's cup squad against Dynamo Dresden. A final decision will depend on his participation in the last training session and subsequent medical clearance, although his chances of returning appear encouraging. Ljubicic had been a regular starter for more than 10 months before suffering the injury, with coach Muslic emphasizing his importance to Schalke's attacking setup. Even if included in the squad Wednesday, the Austrian could initially be limited to a substitute appearance as he gradually rebuilds his match fitness.
Targeting return against Leipzig
Ljubicic (knee) has resumed full team training but will miss Saturday's Bundesliga clash against Koln and the upcoming DFB-Pokal match against Dynamo Dresden, with a potential return targeted against RB Leipzig, according to coach Miron Muslic. "Dejan is back in team training and completed the entire session today. We'll prepare him as best we can so that he can realistically be an option for the home match against Leipzig."
Analysis: Ljubicic has taken a significant step in his recovery from the knee injury he sustained against Union Berlin on September 11, which has kept him sidelined ever since. The midfielder completed Thursday's full training session but is not yet ready for competitive action, ruling him out of the upcoming matches against Koln and Dynamo Dresden. Schalke are instead targeting the subsequent home fixture against RB Leipzig for his return to the matchday squad. His availability will depend on how he responds to an increased training workload over the coming days, with the club aiming to avoid any setbacks after his lengthy absence.
Misses call Saturday
Ljubicic (knee) is not in the squad for Saturday's match against Mainz.
Analysis: Ljubicic is not ready to return from the knee injury he sustained during Schalke's 3-1 victory over Union Berlin in September. The midfielder completed individual work on the pitch Thursday but has yet to resume full team training. He still needs more time to rebuild his fitness before returning to competitive action. His absence continues to deprive Schalke of a midfield option who started their first three Bundesliga matches.
Doubtful for Mainz clash
Ljubicic (knee) remains uncertain for Saturday's Bundesliga clash against Mainz after completing individual work on the pitch Thursday before Schalke's public training session, according to coach Miron Muslic, per Ruhr24.
Analysis: Ljubicic continues to recover from the knee injury he sustained during Schalke's 3-1 victory over Union Berlin in September. The midfielder has made progress in his rehabilitation but has yet to resume full team training, leaving his availability against Mainz in doubt. He started Schalke's first three Bundesliga matches before suffering the injury and could compete for a starting role once he regains full fitness.
Making progress, still out
Ljubicic (knee) is still out but remains on schedule with his recovery process, according to manager Miron Muslic. "Dejan is making good progress following the knee injury he sustained a month ago in the 3-1 away win in Berlin and remains on schedule in his recovery. However, the midfielder is not yet an option for the trip to Freiburg."
Analysis: Ljubicic was unable to use the international break to get fully fit again, but he is still on a good track in his recovery process, still on time for his expected timeline. The midfielder could then return in any of the next few weeks, just needing to put the finishing touches on his fitness. After three straight starts to begin the season, he will look to reclaim a starting role once fit.
Resumes running
Ljubicic (knee) returned to the training pitch Wednesday to complete running work as he continues his recovery from a left knee injury, according to Dirk G. Schlarmann of Sky Sport.
Analysis: Ljubicic has taken another step toward his comeback after being sidelined since suffering the knee injury against Union Berlin in mid-September. The midfielder remains limited to individual work, but he could potentially resume team training as early as next week if his recovery continues without setbacks. There is still no confirmed timetable for his return to competitive action.
Faces multi-week absence
Ljubicic is expected to be sidelined for several weeks, though initial reports suggest a serious ACL tear has not been confirmed, according to BILD.
Analysis: Ljubicic's absence is likely to extend beyond the upcoming international break, with even the Oct. 11 match against Freiburg potentially coming too soon, though an official diagnosis from the club has not yet been released. He had been forced off in the 21st minute of the recent win over Union Berlin after a challenge from Tom Rothe, unable to continue despite initially trying to play through the issue, and his recovery timeline will become clearer once the club confirms the exact nature of the injury.
Forced off early
Ljubicic was forced off in the 21st minute of Saturday's match against Union Berlin after appearing to injure his left knee during an attacking move.
Analysis: Ljubicic suffered a left knee injury after being challenged by Tom Rothe during an attacking move and was unable to continue after initially trying to play through the issue. The wing-back required treatment before eventually signaling that he could not continue, with Dina Ebimbe replacing him in the 21st minute. The severity of the injury is not yet clear, so his availability will depend on the assessment of the knee and how he responds in the coming days.
Back in action Saturday
Ljubicic (knee) played the full second half of Saturday's practice game versus Atalanta, according to his club's official website.
Analysis: Ljubicic subbed on for Eric Junior in his first appearance since suffering a minor injury in preseason. Ljubicic is now back in contention for a midfield spot and could be involved in a rotation during the 2026/27 season. He previously made 15 Bundesliga 2 starts, scoring four goals and delivering three assists over that period.
Returns to group warmup
Ljubicic (knee) rejoined Schalke's group training Thursday but only took part in the warmup before continuing individually with sprints and passing drills, according to WAZ.
Analysis: Ljubicic had suffered a calf injury Saturday in the friendly against KSV Hessen Kassel, initially missing training as a result, and his relatively quick return suggests the issue isn't serious. No specific timeline for a full return to group training has been disclosed, and Ljubicic is expected to continue his individualized work before rejoining team training in full.
Avoids serious injury
Ljubicic did not suffer a serious injury during Saturday's 5-0 win over KSV Hessen Kassel, according to Bild.
Analysis: Ljubicic left the field limping after being forced off in the 60th minute with a knee issue, but the midfielder is not believed to have suffered a fracture, and he is expected to be able to resume team training in Gelsenkirchen next week. Ljubicic is expected to be available again in the near term.
Called up by Austria
Ljubicic has been called up to Austria's World Cup squad as a direct replacement for the injured Christoph Baumgartner, his club announced.
Analysis: Ljubicic's inclusion gives coach Ralf Rangnick an experienced midfield option to fill the significant void left by Christoph Baumgartner's tournament-ending injury (thigh). The midfielder now joins the Austrian squad ahead of their World Cup opener against Jordan on June 17, with the coach hoping he can provide the creative and dynamic qualities needed to compensate for the loss of one of the squad's most important players.
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