Kenan Karaman
S04
CF
Playmaking Forward
Mar 5, 1994 (32)
Right
6'2"
185 lb
Schalke 04Available off bench
Karaman (hip) is on the bench for Saturday's game against Bayern Munich.
Analysis: Karaman seems to have passed a late fitness test to be available in this marquee matchup. The captain could see minutes off the bench if things get complicated for S04, though the starters upfront for this clash will be Eric Junior and Moussa Sylla.
Late call to face Bayern Munich
Karaman (hip) will be a late call for Saturday's game against Bayern Munich, according to manager Miron Muslic.
Analysis: Karaman hasn't been ruled out completely, but the manager acknowledged "some doubt" about his availability, so a late decision will be made. Karaman missed the Bundesliga opener against Augsburg, and if he can't face Bayern, new signing Hwang Hee-Chan, as well as Eric Junior and Junior Adamu, are options to take his place in the XI.
Out for Bundesliga opener
Karaman (hip) will miss Sunday's Bundesliga opener against Augsburg after failing to recover in time, according to coach Miron Muslic. "He hasn't recovered in time and hasn't completed a single session with the team. He won't be available."
Analysis: Karaman has yet to progress beyond individual work after suffering the pelvic bruise around three weeks ago and will now miss a second consecutive competitive match after sitting out the DFB-Pokal clash against Hallescher FC. The captain will need to resume team training before being considered for a return, with no firm timetable provided. Eric Junior and Junior Adamu are the leading options to cover his absence against Augsburg.
Training individually
Karaman (hip) trained individually Thursday, and his availability for Sunday's match at Augsburg remains uncertain.
Analysis: Karaman has been sidelined for several weeks with a pelvic bruise suffered in a friendly against Atalanta, and the fact that he's yet to resume full training only three days before the Bundesliga opener is not encouraging. Eric Junior and Junior Adamu are the options to cover Karaman's potential absence if the latter is unable to play Sunday.
Bundesliga opener still uncertain
Karaman's availability for Sunday's Bundesliga opener against Augsburg remains uncertain, according to coach Miron Muslic.
Analysis: Karaman has been sidelined for more than two weeks with a pelvic bruise suffered in a friendly against Atalanta, an issue that also kept him out of Schalke's German Cup opener against Halle. Manager Miron Muslic remains unsure whether the captain will recover in time, with his progress over the coming days likely to determine his availability for Sunday. Should Karaman fail to recover in time, Eric Junior and Junior Adamu are the leading candidates to step into the starting lineup against Augsburg.
Will miss cup game
Karaman (hip) will not be available for Schalke 04 for the DFB-Pokal match next Monday against Halleschen FC, the club announced.
Analysis: Karaman suffered a fall onto his hip during Schalke's August 8 friendly against Atalanta Bergamo, with tissue fluid subsequently building up in the area over the days that followed. The captain will now miss Monday's DFB-Pokal match against Hallescher FC as a result, after the affected area underwent a brief therapeutic measure on Monday to help relieve it. With Schalke's Bundesliga opener against Augsburg just six days behind that fixture, the priority for the medical staff will likely be tracking how the area responds to treatment in the coming days.
Returns after pelvis contusion
Karaman is back in training after suffering a pelvis contusion during Saturday's friendly against Atalanta, the club announced.
Analysis: Karaman capped last season as the 2. Bundesliga Player of the Season, scoring 14 goals with five assists across 32 appearances and leading Schalke's captain armband as the club secured promotion back to the Bundesliga after a three year absence. His return marks a positive step given his central role as the heartbeat of Schalke's squad heading into their top flight return. Karaman is expected to continue building toward full match involvement as preseason continues.
Suffers bruised hip
Karaman required treatment on his hip after an unfortunate landing during a hard fought duel in Saturday's 3-0 preseason friendly loss to Atalanta, though he gave cautious reassurance afterward, according to WAZ. "I think it's a strong bruise, in the first half I fell awkwardly on my hip, but I don't think it's anything serious."
Analysis: Karaman capped last season as the 2. Bundesliga Player of the Season, scoring 14 goals with five assists across 32 appearances and leading Schalke's captain armband as the club secured promotion back to the Bundesliga after a three year absence, including the decisive goal in the win over Fortuna Dusseldorf that sealed the title. How quickly he recovers from this hip issue remains to be seen, and his availability will be worth monitoring closely given his central role as the heartbeat of Schalke's squad heading into the new campaign for their top flight return.
Player of season for Schalke
Karaman ended a stellar season as the 2. Bundesliga Player of the Season, scoring 14 goals and providing five assists across 32 appearances as Schalke's captain led the club back to the Bundesliga after a three-year absence.
Analysis: Karaman scored the decisive goal in the 1-0 victory over Fortuna Dusseldorf that sealed promotion, and his combination of experience, versatility and leadership both on and off the pitch made him the central figure in Schalke's title-winning campaign. Karaman heads into the Bundesliga as the heartbeat of a Schalke side eager to prove itself at the top level once again, with his captaincy and ability to deliver in big moments giving the Royal Blues a player capable of making an instant impact.
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