Ralf Fährmann is set to miss the start of the second half of the season after straining ligaments in his right knee
Ralf Fährmann is set to miss the start of the second half of the season after straining ligaments in his right knee

Fährmann to miss season restart; Kirchhoff returns

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Doha - FC Schalke 04 goalkeeper Ralf Fahrmann is set for a spell on the sidelines after straining the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the Royal Blues' winter training camp in Doha, Qatar.

The 26-year-old No. 1 had previously complained of discomfort earlier in the week and was absent during Friday’s training session after going to hospital for scans, which revealed that the initial fears that he had torn his cruciate ligament were unsubstantiated. While the injury isn't as serious as first feared, the club confirmed that Fährmann will miss the start of the second half of the season.

However, there was some positive news for head coach Roberto Di Matteo, with the club confirming that

Jan Kirchhoff

will join up with the squad at

The Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence

on Saturday. The FC Bayern München loanee had initially remained in Gelsenkirchen due to his on-going tendon issues, but has now been given the all clear to travel to Qatar.

"

Promising steps

," reads this Tweet. "

Jan Kirchhoff will travel to the winter training camp in Doha on Saturday.

"