S04 draw 2-2 in Augsburg after shocking first-half injury

Football wasn’t important at one stage during the game after Mark Uth suffered a head injury in the first half. The attacker was taken to hospital after receiving treatment on the pitch for 10 minutes. He suffered a concussion during the game.

Duo return from injury

Ralf Fährmann and Salif Sané both returned to the starting XI, replacing Michael Langer and Malick Thiaw. Alessandro Schöpf also came into the side for Steven Skrzybski. Amine Harit didn’t make the squad, despite returning to team training this week, due to a slight knee issue.

Uth injury results in long stoppage

Schalke began well in the WWK Arena, however football became somewhat irrelevant after 10 minutes. Mark Uth fell to the ground after an aerial duel with Felix Uduokhai and suffered a serious blow to the head. As a result, Uth received treatment for almost ten minutes, before being taken to hospital with a team doctor. Around half an hour later, the club received the information that Uth was responsive and stable.

The game had begun again before the good news regarding Uth. Nassim Boujellab (22’) and former Schalker Daniel Caligiuri had the first chances for their sides (24’). The 28th minute saw another moment of shock, as Nassim Boujellab was hurt during an aerial battle with Felix Uduokhai. The midfielder was able to continue after treatment, playing on with a bandage on his head.

The hosts took the lead after 32 minutes from a Daniel Caligiuri free kick, which was ultimately turned home by Suat Serdar, leaving Ralf Fährmann with no chance. Schalke tried their best to get back into the game in the first half, but couldn’t break down a compact Augsburg defence, despite an additional 15 minutes played due to the injuries.

S04 come from behind – equaliser in added time

Schalke came out of the blocks quickly in the second half and quickly levelled proceedings. Benito Raman took advantage of a Carlos Gruezo error to break through one-on-one and chipped it over the Augsburg keeper it make it 1-1 (52’). Two minutes later, Schalke had a man advantage – Florian Niederlechner saw a second yellow card for a foul on Salif Sané.

The Royal Blues managed to take advantage of the extra man shortly afterwards. Suat Serdar’s cross was forced home by Nassim Boujellab at the front post – his first Bundesliga goal! (61’)

Rani Khedira had a huge change to score for FCA in the 74th minute. A Framberger cross found the Augsburg man in the six-yard box, however his shot missed the far post. Nassim Boujellab, at the other end, could have made it 3-1. The Morocco international’s shot just cleared the bar after some good work by Raman. Can Bozdogan was the next man to miss a chance, albeit after a fine bit of a skill to get clear of a defender in the box (82’).

As the game drew to a close, Augsburg broke Schalke’s hearts with an equaliser. Ex-Schalke loanee Michael Gregoritsch crossed it in for Marco Richter, who headed home in the 93rd minute. Things could have been even worse for S04 were it not for Ralf Fährmann. The Schalke ‘keeper made a strong save right at the death to preserve at least a point for Manuel Baum’s side.

A busy week with two home games

Schalke’s next two Bundesliga matchdays will see them host SC Freiburg (16/12, 18:30 CET) and Arminia Bielefeld (19/12, 15:30 CET).