|
Schalke skipper Benedikt Howedes is hopeful that they can shrug off their disappointing start to the German domestic season when they travel to London to play Chelsea in the Champions League on Wednesday. - Wright: Schalke transform tunnel into coal mine The Royal Blues have lost both their away games, at Hannover and Monchengladbach, and were eliminated from the DFB-Pokal by third-tier side Dynamo Dresden. Their sole league point came at home to champions Bayern Munich. Jens Keller's side have been hit hard by injuries, particularly in defence -- but Howedes said he had not given up hope as he looked ahead to the match against the Premier League leaders. "We have always managed to put in good performances in the Champions League, even when we were not having the best run in the Bundesliga," the Germany international told kicker. "We don't have to make the running against Chelsea, and that might be an advantage." However, Keller admitted after the weekend's 4-1 defeat at Borussia Monchengladbach: "We are not at eye level with Chelsea at this time." Sporting executive Horst Heldt added: "Chelsea are certainly not the easiest opponent for us right now." Netherlands international Klaas-Jan Huntelaar told kicker "every match is a new match" but warned: "We need to change things, otherwise we'll be facing a very difficult season." Schalke will have both Julian Draxler and Max Meyer available for selection after minor problems, but are without left-back Sead Kolasinac, centre-backs Joel Matip and Santana. They are also likely to be without right-back Atsuto Uchida.
|
