Schalke 04 vs Borussia Dortmund - Tuchel annoyed to lose injured Schurrle

Posted Saturday, April 01, 2017 by PA

Borussia Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel has vented his frustration at losing Andre Schurrle to injury ahead of the trip to bitter rivals Schalke.

Third-placed Dortmund make the short journey west to Gelsenkirchen without the forward after he sustained a foot problem on international duty.

Schurrle joins fellow Germany internationals Marco Reus, Mario Gotze and Erik Durm on the treatment table, much to the annoyance of Tuchel.

"Erik Durm, as well as Andre Schurrle, is out," Tuchel told reporters in his pre-match press conference.

"Schurrle came back from international duty with an injury while Durm sustained a muscle injury in training and is not ready.

"It's annoying when players return injured, especially with Marco Reus and Mario Gotze already out."

Despite the absence of the four key players, Tuchel remains confident his side can triumph in the 150th Ruhr derby.

Victory at the Veltins-Arena will see Dortmund move up to second in the Bundesliga, if RB Leipzig lose at home to bottom club Darmstadt.

"We're going to Gelsenkirchen to win," Tuchel added. "It'll be tough but we're confident that we can pull it off.

"Schalke are a physical side, who play with a lot of heart. We have to emulate those virtues and play with at least the same verve."

Schalke head coach Markus Weinzierl insists his players are fully aware of the significance of the fixture to the club's fans.

Weinzierl's mid-table team have had a largely-forgettable campaign, although back-to-back wins have given them some momentum ahead of Dortmund's visit.

"We are all looking forward to the game," the 42-year-old told Schalke's official website. "We know exactly what the derby means.

"Every player is buzzing in training and everyone is raring to go.

"Everywhere outside the training ground, the players see its importance.

"The derby is all about the fight. The boys will give their absolute all."

Saturday's match will be Weinzierl's first taste of the derby on home soil after leading his side to a goalless draw at Westfalenstadion in October.

He believes another strong defensive display is required this time.

"In the match earlier this season, we did not allow Dortmund a shot on goal for the whole first 45 minutes," he added.

"Once again we will look to give our all to keep the opposition away from our area."

Schalke also have a couple of injury concerns following the international break with left-back Sead Kolasinac doubtful due to a muscular problem sustained with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Cameroon forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting struggling with a knee issue.

Midfielder Dennis Aogo and on-loan Chelsea defender Baba Rahman will definitely be absent because of injury, but Spanish right-back Coke could be in contention for his first Bundesliga appearance after a long spell on the sidelines.