Gelsenkirchen - FC Schalke 04 right-back faces around three weeks on the sidelines after tearing a muscle in his right thigh during Sunday's 2-0 win over Hannover 96.

The Japan international joins captain Benedikt Höwedes (thigh) in the treatment room, with both players now major doubts for the Royal Blues' UEFA Champions League last-16 first-leg tie with Real Madrid CF on 26 February.

Midfielder Roman Neustädter, meanwhile, has been given the all-clear after taking a knock at the weekend and should feature against second-placed Bayer 04 Leverkusen on Matchday 21.

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