The DFB Cup win at FC Homburg was just a first step for Schalke in their “week of truth”.
“We still don't know where we stand in terms of our performance. We need to perform close to our best to advance against Atletico”, Schalke sporting director Andreas Müller knows.
Schalke play against the Spaniards in the first leg of their Champions League 3rd round qualifier on Wednesday.
Neuer and Rafinha absent
Injured goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (broken metatarsal) and Rafinha (in Beijing with Brazil) will definitely miss that match.
Mladen Krstajic (torn muscle) is highly unlikely to feature against Madrid, but he hopes to recover in time for the Hanover match.
The defender isn't the only player coming back from injury, however.
Lövenkrands and Varela back in training
Peter Lövenkrands and Gustavo Varela were back in team training last week and played a test match with the reserves at the weekend.
Albert Streit might return to the training ground this week, too.
Praise for Höwedes
Schalke coach Fred Rutten is expected to stick to the starting eleven from the DFB Cup when S04 take on Atletico.
That would mean another start for 20-year-old defender Benedikt Höwedes.
“Benni Höwedes is a great talent. Of course he still lacks experience. But he will only get that if he plays”, skipper Marcelo Bordon backs Höwedes.
Schalke Pip Rangers, Fulham Best Celts
Schalke duo back in training
Höwedes extends at Schalke
Schalke duo back in training
VfB have 4 players out