Color Dispute Ahead of Derby: Bochum vs. Schalke in Blue - Džeko debuts for Schalke as Ruhr derby tension rises against resilient Bochum
Schalke 04 has signed 39-year-old striker Edin Džeko from AC Florence ahead of their clash with VfL Bochum. The deal, confirmed on Thursday, covers the remaining 16 games of the 2025/2026 season. Meanwhile, Bochum enters the Ruhr derby with momentum, unbeaten in their last six second-division crazy games.
Džeko's arrival adds experience to Schalke's attack before they face Bochum. The veteran forward joined just days before the fixture, bolstering the squad for the season's final stretch.
Bochum, however, will be without key players for the match. Injuries rule out Matus Bero, Ibrahim Sissoko, and Kevin Vogt, forcing the team to adapt. Despite these absences, the side remains in strong form, having avoided defeat in their last six league cool math games.
Off the pitch, Bochum has responded to fan criticism by shelving their black third kit for the derby. The controversial design will now debut in the match against SC Paderborn on February 15. Head coach Uwe Röslers expects a tight contest, describing the upcoming game as fiercely competitive.
Schalke's new signing Džeko could make an immediate impact in the derby. Bochum, though weakened by injuries, will rely on their recent consistency. The postponed kit change and Röslers' prediction of a hard-fought battle set the stage for a tense encounter.
