Lamotte lay-off for Schalke

Basel test
The 21-year-old injured his right ankle playing for the Bundesliga club's reserves and will be out for at least a fortnight. The lay-off means Lamotte will be absent when Schalke begin their Group A campaign on 21 October at home to FC Basel 1893 of Switzerland, although he will hope to be fit for the trip to Scottish side Heart of Midlothian FC on 4 November.

Rangnick faith
Lamotte had struggled to earn a place under previous coach Jupp Heynckes but was given a chance as soon as Ralf Rangnick took charge, making his European bow in last month's first round second-leg victory against FHK Liepajas Metalurgs. The centre-back played the full 90 minutes as Schalke won 4-0 for a 9-1 aggregate success. He followed that with his first league appearance of the season in the 3-2 home win against VfL Bochum 1848 on 3 October.