Schalke vs Hannover

The skipper returns to action for the Gelsenkirchen side just in time to ease Huub Stevens' defensive woes as Matip and Jones both miss out through suspension.The big news for Schalke is that captain Benedikt Howedes looks set to return to action after a hamstring layoff. And with centre-back regular Joel Matip out through suspension, the skipper looks good to slot into central defence in the 20-year-old's absence.Jermaine Jones also misses out through picking up too many yellows – another major defensive loss for the hosts – meaning Huub Stevens will look to Marco Hoger or Christoph Moritz to partner Lewis Holtby in defensive midfield. Hoger is the more likely choice to start.Long-term absentee Ralf Fahrmann remains sidelined with a cruciate ligament tear, while fellow custodian Timo Hildebrand is currently suffering from an elbow injury.In the opposing dugout, Mirko Slomka's only selection problem is the absence of Lars Stindl, who is struggling with a groin problem. It's likely that Jan Schlaudraff will continue to deputise on the right side of midfield.