Gelsenkirchen, Germany – Schalke's Champions League aspirations took a big hit over the weekend as striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar sustained a knee injury that is expected to sideline him for around eight weeks.
The 29-year-old scored midway through the first half in Schalke's 2-1 derby victory over Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, but he tore the medial collateral ligament in his left knee later in the contest in a collision with goalkeeper Timo Hildebrand.
Huntelaar is tied for the team lead with seven goals in the Bundesliga this season, but he will miss the return leg of Schalke's Champions League round of 16 contest with Galatasaray on Tuesday, which is tied at 1-1.
Schalke is also battling to secure a top-four finish in the league with the team tied in fourth with Eintracht for the final Champions League place.
Manager Jens Keller is now short on options up top with Finland international Teemu Pukki representing the only fit striker with any kind of experience.
Pukki has netted one goal in 10 league matches this season.
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