Schalke trio eye national call‑up as club fears league drop
While the German national team manager Jürgen Klopp reportedly weighs three FC Schalke players – goalkeeper Loris Karius, winger Robin Gosens and midfielder Soufiane El‑Faouzi – for his first squad nomination, the club itself argues that keeping them at home could be a strategic advantage.
National team interest
Jüngsten Medienberichten zufolge the three players sit in an erweiterten Kreis of candidates that Jürgen Klopp is consulting ahead of his Kader‑Nominierung as Bundestrainer. Karius und Co. have sparked particular debate because the 33‑year‑old goalkeeper has enjoyed more than a year of top‑form, leading some observers to argue he deserves a place among the top three keepers of the DFB‑Auswahl. The inclusion of Loris Karius, Robin Gosens and Soufiane El‑Faouzi would therefore be a clear honour for the Spieler.
The prospect of a nomination is also a recognition of FC Schalke’s work after promotion, highlighting that the club can produce talent capable of national selection. It would be a notable achievement for a side that has just returned to the top flight, and the players themselves would relish the personal accolade.
Club’s pragmatic stance
From Schalke’s perspective, retaining Karius, Gosens, El‑Faouzi and even other internationals such as Junior Adamu and Max Wöber (nominated for Austria) is seen as a clear Vorteil. Im Hinblick auf die Belastung bedeutet das weniger doppelte Belastung, ein geringeres Verletzungsrisiko und die Möglichkeit, die Trainingsbelastung vom Klub zu steuern. The Aus consideration is therefore logical: fewer Spiele for the national side means more control for the club.
In this season, any loss of key players could tip the balance between survival and relegation. Kevin Müller could not replace Karius, El‑Faouzi’s absence would leave a noticeable gap in the midfield, and without Gosens only Vitalie Becker would remain for the left flank.
Jürgen Klopp will announce his first Kader‑Auswahl on Thursday, and Schalke will watch the decision closely. Im Hinblick auf die kommenden Spiele the contrast between honour and practical benefit will shape the club’s next steps.