Bryan Lasme faces long road back to Schalke squad

Bryan Lasme has taken an important first step toward returning to FC Schalke 04’s Bundesliga squad, but the French forward still has considerable ground to cover.

After spending several weeks sidelined with a calf muscle injury, the 27-year-old recently played 30 minutes for Schalke’s under-21 side, allowing him to rebuild his match rhythm.

However, head coach Miron Muslic has warned against expecting an immediate comeback. Speaking before Sunday’s match against SV 07 Elversberg, Muslic said: “I don’t know yet, because he wasn’t available in recent weeks, but we have gained a lot of quality. He is fit, but he still has a long way to go.”

Lasme is now medically fit, yet earning a place in the matchday squad will require continued progress during training. Schalke’s attacking department has become increasingly competitive, making selection more difficult even for players who have returned from injury.

The striker will therefore need to demonstrate his sharpness, fitness and reliability before Muslic considers him for Bundesliga minutes. His appearance for the second team offers encouragement, but it was only the beginning of his comeback rather than proof that he is ready for senior action.