Eichkorn to lead Schalke at Maccabi

Seppo Eichkorn will lead FC Schalke 04 against Maccabi Haifa FC on Wednesday after the German side announced that coach Huub Stevens is unable to travel to Israel for personal reasons.

Stevens has opted to remain in Germany as his 85-year-old mother Mia is seriously ill. Eichkorn, 55, who had caretaker spells at the helm in March and September following the respective departures of Felix Magath and Ralf Rangnick, will be in charge of a European match for the first time in his 28-year coaching career. Schalke have already won Group J and a Maccabi victory would ensure they joined them in Friday's round of 32 draw.