Back issues continue to hamper Schalke shot-stopper Karius

The 32-year-old is in a race to be fit for next weekend’s 2.Bundesliga clash with Greuther Fürth.

FC Schalke 04 has concerns about their first-choice goalkeeper, Loris Karius, who encountered more injury problems on Saturday.

The 32-year-old was forced to withdraw at short notice before Schalke’s thrilling 5-3 home win against 1.FC Magdeburg.

Back problems supposedly prevented the German from starting the match, even though he had tried to get fit in time.

Coach Miron Muslic explained afterwards that “Loris tried to pass the fitness test at short notice, but he didn’t.”

One positive is that Schalke’s coach offered cautious reassurance in his press conference: “We don’t expect it to be anything serious”. 

Whether Karius will be available for next Saturday against Greuther Fürth will likely only become clear later in the week.

Until then, it remains to be seen whether he can return to training or will have to continue his break allowing Kevin Müller more game time.