Junior Dina Ebimbe faces battle for Schalke starting spot

Junior Dina Ebimbe is facing increased competition for a regular starting place at Schalke 04 after falling down the pecking order under head coach Miron Muslić.

The 25-year-old midfielder, who joined Schalke from Eintracht Frankfurt during the summer, started three of the club’s first six league matches but was an unused substitute in the recent 2-1 defeat to SC Freiburg. Adrian Gantenbein was preferred on the right flank and impressed after returning from a lengthy injury absence.

Ebimbe’s situation could become more difficult with Dejan Ljubičić also approaching a return from injury. The Austrian previously received opportunities in the position, meaning the Cameroonian international may have to work harder to regain his place in the team.

His reduced involvement reportedly follows criticism from Muslić after Schalke’s 3-1 victory over Union Berlin in September. According to Bild, the coach was unhappy with Ebimbe’s defensive response during the build-up to Union’s goal.

The midfielder reportedly anticipated a foul rather than continuing to defend, an approach that conflicted with Muslić’s demand for players to defend until the final whistle.

Ebimbe arrived at Schalke hoping to revive his career after struggling for consistent opportunities at Frankfurt. The move reportedly cost the German club an initial €800,000, with additional payments potentially taking the fee to €1.3 million.

Despite the recent setback, Ebimbe remains a versatile option capable of operating in several midfield and wide positions. His immediate challenge, however, is to convince Muslić that he can deliver the defensive discipline and consistency required to earn regular minutes.

With Gantenbein performing well and Ljubičić nearing a return, the coming weeks could prove crucial in determining Ebimbe’s role at Schalke.