Schalke updates: Polter appears lost for the season, Skarke loan-deal officially blocked
Bad news continues to rain down on the Bundesliga's last-placed-side, FC Schalke 04. Speaking to the North-Rhine Westphalia's Ruhr Nachrichten, S04 head-coach Thomas Reis revealed that he believed striker Sebastian Polter to be lost for the season.
In other Schalke-related news, multiple sources are now reporting that a deal for one possible attacking reinforcement is now likely dead. Union Berlin trainer Urs Fischer has apparently vetoed a move to Gelsenkirchen for Tim Skarke.
Thomas Reis has essentially confirmed to Nordrhein-Westfalen's "Ruhr Nachrichten" that Sebastian Polter's ACL tear is severe enough to rule the striker out for the season. Reis revealed that he "assumed" the 31-year-old will only return this coming summer. Schalke's search for another classic nine-target-forward thus becomes more urgent.
In other Schalke-related news, multiple sources are now reporting that a deal for one possible attacking reinforcement is now likely dead. Union Berlin trainer Urs Fischer has apparently vetoed a move to Gelsenkirchen for Tim Skarke.
The "RN" newspaper, along with many other sources, now officially declare Schalke's efforts to acquire 1. FC Union Berlin attacker Tim Skarke dead. Acting S04 sporting director Peter Knäbel left open the possibility of still acquiring the winger on-loan in a recent interview. According to RN, Sky, and a host of others, however, FCU trainer Urs Fischer has personally vetoed any move.
Where Schalke might turn to now in search of some help for their anemic attack (only 13 league goals this season) remains a mystery. Polish reporter Marcin Borzęcki has suggested that the S04 front office has contacted Eintracht Frankfurt about possibly being Norwegian attacker Jens Petter Hauge's new loan locale, but this is so far unsubstantiated by any other source.