Adrian Gantenbein has taken another step in his return at Schalke, starting the 5-2 friendly win at Rot-Weiß Oberhausen after several months out with a serious foot injury.
- The 25-year-old Swiss wide player had already returned through Schalke’s U23 side.
- His latest outing was an extended spell in the starting XI against Regionalliga club Oberhausen.
- Gantenbein injured his ankle in Schalke’s 3-1 summer friendly victory over Fagiano Okayama in Austria in July.
- He completed his rehabilitation entirely in Germany alongside the club’s medical staff.
- Gantenbein described the recent period as “a little difficult” mentally, but said the recovery work had rebuilt his fitness.
- Schalke signed Cameroon international Eric Junior Dina Ebimbe in the summer, chiefly for the right wing-back role.
- Sport director Youri Mulder said Dina Ebimbe brought experience, pace and quick decision-making for that position.
What it changes in the Bundesliga week
Gantenbein is back in contention, but not yet back at the front of Schalke’s right-sided queue. He calls himself a challenger for now and says his immediate task is to close the gap.
The Swiss defender remains remembered for his remarkable goal-line clearance in Schalke’s 2-1 win in Bielefeld a year ago. He raced back after Arminia attacker Monju Momuluh had lifted the ball over goalkeeper Loris Karius, then headed it away near the line while airborne. The intervention brought him the nickname “Swiss Air”.
For the moment, the more practical issue is competition with Dina Ebimbe. Gantenbein has match minutes again. The next requirement is to turn that progress into regular first-team selection under Miron Muslic.
