Schalke captain Karaman must wait longer for a Turkey comeback chance

Schalke captain Kenan Karaman must continue to wait for his comeback to the Turkish national team because national coach Vincenzo Montella has not included him for the upcoming international matches. The 32-year-old attacking player, however, does not give up hope of a return and continues to work hard for the club.

National coach Vincenzo Montella again did not select Karaman for the upcoming international matches. In an interview with the Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung, Karaman said: “I have not finished with the national team.”

The 32-year-old striker emphasizes that he wants to recommit himself to Turkey through his performances in the Schalke shirt. “I think that with good performances after the international break I will try to knock on the door again for the November international matches,” he said.

Return after injury

After a hip injury, Karaman missed the season opener in Augsburg. He then collected his first minutes in the 0-0 draw against FC Bayern, before starting in the matches against Union Berlin (3-1) and SV Elversberg. In the 0-0 against Elversberg he again led the Royal Blues as captain.

With five points after four games, Schalke 04 sits in the midfield in the current season. Karaman commented after the Elversberg success: “Five points after four games – before the season we would have all signed that.”

Possible friendlies

While many teammates travel to their national teams during the international break, Karaman stays at Schalke. For him, friendlies against Rot‑Weiß Oberhausen and Austria Lustenau could be on the agenda.

Karaman has so far earned 31 senior caps for Turkey and scored six goals. His last appearance for the national team was several years ago; in June 2023 he was in the squad but did not play in the 2-0 win over Wales.

Thus, Karaman now sets his sights on the next opportunity in November to knock on the door of the Turkish national team again.