FC Augsburg will face a weakened FC Schalke 04 in their season opener on Saturday. Sky.de reported this week that Schalke captain Kenan Karaman will miss the match at the WWK ARENA.
Why is Kenan Karaman missing?
The exact reason for the absence of the 32-year-old forward was not detailed in the report. Karaman is a central figure for the Royal Blues and was one of the key performers last season with nine goals and seven assists. His absence presents a tactical problem for Schalke coach Mike Büskens, especially in attack. For Augsburg's defence, marshalled by Jeffrey Gouweleeuw, this could be a relief, as they will have to deal less with the captain's physical presence and aerial ability.
What is the significance of the first match for Augsburg?
The season opener holds particular importance for FC Augsburg after a solid ninth-place finish in the completed 2025 Bundesliga season. With 43 points, twelve wins, seven draws, and fifteen losses from 34 games, Jess Thorup's team ended the campaign with positive recent form (LWWDW). The 45 goals scored contrast with 61 conceded, resulting in a negative goal difference of -16. The gap to champions Bayern Munich was 46 points at the end. A successful start against a direct competitor like Schalke would be an important signal for the Fuggerstädter's ambitions in the new season. The current squad overview can be found on our squad page.
How is Augsburg preparing for Schalke?
Thorup and his team used pre-season to address shortcomings from the previous campaign, notably the high number of 61 goals conceded. Defensive stability will be a key factor against Schalke, even if the opponent is without their captain. Augsburg is relying on continuity in the core of the team and aims to prove their home strength from last year, which included several important wins, right from the start of the season. The full schedule for the new season is available on our fixtures calendar.
What does the absence mean for the tactical approach?
Schalke must find an alternative solution up front without Karaman. This could allow Augsburg's defence to push forward more aggressively and control the midfield more strongly. Thorup will likely try to win the ball early and play the game in the opponent's half. The injury-related absences for both teams are always documented on our injuries list. The head-to-head record from last season and the current table situation before kick-off can be reviewed on the standings page.
Kick-off at the WWK ARENA is scheduled for Saturday, 30 August 2026. For Augsburg, it is the chance to immediately take three points against a presumed competitor in the middle of the table and continue the course from the end of the previous season. Preparation is complete, now only performance on the pitch counts.
