FC Schalke 04 suffered a last-minute personnel blow ahead of their Bundesliga away fixture at 1. FC Union Berlin on Friday evening. According to the official team sheet released shortly before kick-off, offensive star Moussa Sylla was surprisingly absent from the matchday squad at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei.
Sylla misses Union Berlin clash for joyous reason
The 26-year-old striker, who typically spearheads the Royal Blues’ attack, was not available for head coach Kees van Wonderen. However, the reason for his absence is a happy one: Sylla became a father shortly before the match and did not travel to Berlin with the team for this emotional family occasion.
Schalke congratulated the new father and his family publicly on social media just before the game started.
Lineup changes: Karaman leads the line, Dina Ebimbe on bench
The omission of Sylla was not the only personnel adjustment in van Wonderen’s starting XI. Summer signing Junior Dina Ebimbe was named among the substitutes, while Loris Karius retained his place in goal.
The back three consisted of Timo Becker, Nikola Katić, and new arrival Hasan Kuruçay. In midfield, Soufiane El-Faouzi, Satoshi Tanaka, Robin Gosens, and Junior Adamu were selected. The attacking duo of Dejan Ljubicic and Adil Aouchiche were tasked with supporting the lone striker.
Captain Karaman shoulders attacking burden
With Sylla sidelined, the primary responsibility in the center of attack falls squarely on captain Kenan Karaman. The skipper, recently returned to the fold, is expected to lead Schalke’s offensive efforts as the side searches for a second consecutive positive result following a credible draw against Bayern Munich.
It is firmly planned that Sylla will rejoin the squad for the next matchday after his family leave.
