• FC Schalke 04 will secure promotion to the Bundesliga if they defeat Fortuna Düsseldorf this weekend.
• Head coach Miron Muslić has asked supporters to stay off the pitch and celebrate safely in the stands.
• Striker Edin Džeko is set to return to the squad after missing the previous four matches through injury.

FC Schalke 04 stand on the verge of an immediate return to Germany’s top flight. The Royal Blues can seal their promotion to the Bundesliga this weekend if they defeat Fortuna Düsseldorf in the crucial top-of-the-table clash.

The Gelsenkirchen club has a proud record in German football. They have never remained in the second division for longer than three consecutive campaigns. That tradition looks set to continue as they edge closer to the top tier.

Following a difficult beginning to the calendar year, Miron Muslić’s side has found excellent form. They have claimed victory in their previous four matches despite the absence of key striker Edin Džeko through injury.

Recent arrivals Dejan Ljubicic and Adil Aouchiche have made immediate impacts. Both players joined in January and impressed again during the recent comeback win away to SC Paderborn 07.

The visitors face a completely different challenge at the opposite end of the table. Fortuna Düsseldorf climbed out of the relegation zone after securing three points against Dynamo Dresden in Alexander Ende’s first home match in charge.

The survival battle remains intense. A single point may not suffice for Düsseldorf, as both 1. FC Magdeburg and SpVgg Greuther Fürth trail them by just one point in the standings.

Ahead of the crucial fixture, the head coach addressed supporters directly. Muslić made a passionate plea for fans to remain in the stands and avoid entering the playing surface should promotion be confirmed. He stressed that safety must come first during any celebrations.

The Bosnian veteran is ready to play again. The 43-year-old manager confirmed that Džeko will be available for selection following his spell on the sidelines since the international break.