It's not getting much easier - Schalke away.

Some team news has arisen since Hertha's English Week encounter with Bayern. It appears that Alexander Baumjohann is back in the squad after he damaged his anterior cruciate ligament back in August. It's taken him most if the season to get back to fitness but his return is most welcome!

It also looks like Tolga Ciğerci Will be back as well which is another much needed boost.

Another thing worthy of note in the squad that has been announced is the continued absence of Johannes van den Bergh and also the inclusion of the local player Sebastian Holland. Johannes originally lost his place through suspension after a fifth yellow card in the M'Gladbach game. For reasons unknown he has not made it back into the squad as yet. Sebastian however has gained some valuable first team match time over the last few games.

Another player missing from the squad is Peter Pekarik who also will not be making the trip to Gelsenkirchen on Friday.

Lastly great news for Thomas Kraft who had to leave at the last minute following the birth of his son Mateo. Congratulations to Thomas and I wish him and his family every success! This gives a chance to Rune Jarstein who has his Hertha debut against Schalke though I'm not sure why Gersbeck wasn't called up.

Not long to wait to find out exactly who is going to be in the starting eleven - Ha Ho He!

The visit to Gelsenkirchen is not going to produce an easy encounter for Hertha. Schalke are riding high as they have won seven out of eight of their home games. Having said this Hertha have done well on the road. At least in comparison to their recent dire form at home. They gave won five out of their last eight encounters on the road and one more was a draw. Fingers crossed they will be able continue this away form during Spieltag 28.

After the match.

It didn't go well, Hertha lost 2:0 in Gelsenkirchen and again came home to Berlin without any points. Some of the talk about who was going to be in the team proved a little suspect. Sebastian Langkamp featured in defence rather than Fabian Holland.

Again, as with the Bayern match, I see no point in dwelling on the result. Hertha need to break out of what some are calling a "mini crisis" and get just screw more points under their belt beforevthe end of the season.