Schalke coach Jens Keller has suggested Kevin-Prince Boateng will struggle to reclaim his starting role for the German side when he returns from his suspension.
The suspended Ghana international is set to return this weekend after serving a one-match ban following his sending off against Eintracht Frankfurt last week.
Schalke picked up their only win of the season so far in Bremen when the Ghana international was out with injury.
And Keller says he cannot confirm if the former AC Milan star will start when he returns from suspension.
“Let’s see what happens. The team did very well in Bremen and the lads deserve credit for their work so I will keep the options open,†Keller said.
“I cannot confirm if Boateng starts but the most important thing is that we continue to react in the best possible way.â€
Schalke take on Dortmund in the Bundesliga on Saturday.