Schalke 04 will travel to Augsburg this weekend without their captain, according to WAZ. Head coach Miron Muslic confirmed the absence at a press conference on Friday, though the exact nature of the issue was not detailed in the report.
Muslic used the same media appearance to praise the club's transfer planning, per WAZ. The coach expressed satisfaction with the squad assembled for the new Bundesliga campaign, which begins with the away fixture at Augsburg.
The captain's absence adds to the challenge of the season opener, but Muslic's comments suggest confidence in the group's overall strength. WAZ reported that the coach highlighted the quality and balance of the current roster, indicating that the squad has been built to cope with such setbacks.
Separate coverage from the club's official channels and other outlets noted a broader sense of optimism around the team. Muslic was quoted by FC Gelsenkirchen-Schalke 04 e.V. as describing a "great desire and anticipation" within the squad ahead of the league restart. T-Online also confirmed the captain would miss the Augsburg match, while n-tv and WELT reported on the renewed enthusiasm surrounding the club, including references to the promotion-winning coach and growing fan excitement.
The match at Augsburg marks the return of Bundesliga action for Schalke after the summer break. With the captain sidelined, Muslic will need to rely on the depth he has praised, making the squad planning a central talking point for the opening weekend.
Watch to see how Schalke's replacement options perform in the captain's absence and whether the squad depth Muslic touted translates into points on the road.
