Schalke defender Hasan Kurucay injury update

In the first preseason test match of July 11, 2026, Schalke 04 lost 1‑2 to Regionalliga side FC Gütersloh. Inside‑back Hasan Kurucay (28) was forced off in the 39th minute after feeling a strain in his left inner thigh. He received immediate treatment, including an ice pack and bandage, before leaving the field.

Coach Miron Muslic later said the injury was not serious, describing it as a minor muscle strain that the player had sensed before the break. He added that Kurucay will undergo further medical checks but that the club does not expect a long‑term absence. The defender, a regular starter in the previous season, is expected to return to training soon as Schalke continues its preparation with a match against Erzgebirge Aue and a training camp in Austria.

The club’s next steps include monitoring Kurucay’s recovery and finalizing squad selections ahead of the new Bundesliga campaign.