Morocco international Soufiane El-Faouzi suffered a broken nose and a forehead injury during Schalke 04’s goalless draw against Cologne in the Bundesliga on Saturday, October 24.
The German club confirmed the diagnosis on Sunday following medical examinations.
The 24-year-old midfielder sustained the injuries in a collision with teammate Robin Gosens during the first half.
Schalke have not announced a return date for El-Faouzi, leaving his availability for upcoming club and international fixtures uncertain.
El-Faouzi injured in first-half collision
The incident occurred in the 38th minute at Cologne’s RheinEnergieStadion.
El-Faouzi and Gosens challenged for an aerial ball and collided head-to-head, leaving both players requiring treatment on the pitch.
The two Schalke players were unable to continue and were substituted after receiving medical attention.
El-Faouzi suffered a broken nose and a cut to his forehead that required stitches.
Gosens sustained two forehead lacerations, which also required stitches.
Both players subsequently underwent further examinations and treatment.
The match ended 0-0.
Schalke provide medical update
In a statement released on October 25, Schalke confirmed the nature of both players’ injuries following medical assessments.
The club did not provide a specific recovery timetable, explaining that decisions about their return would be made individually.
The uncertainty means El-Faouzi’s availability for Schalke’s next fixtures remains unresolved.
He has been a regular part of the German club’s midfield this season, making the injury an interruption to his playing schedule.
Further information from Schalke will determine when the Moroccan can return to training and competitive action.
Morocco await news on El-Faouzi’s recovery
El-Faouzi’s injury is also relevant to Morocco’s preparations for the November international window.
The midfielder received his first senior Atlas Lions call-up in September as national-team coach Mohamed Ouahbi introduced several new players into the squad.
El-Faouzi was selected alongside fellow newcomers Yassir Zabiri and Abdellah Ouazane, as Morocco continued to expand its options ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
His inclusion in the September Morocco squad marked an important step in his international career.
However, Schalke’s medical announcement does not establish whether El-Faouzi will miss Morocco’s next fixtures.
His availability will depend on his recovery and subsequent medical assessments.
For now, the confirmed diagnosis is a broken nose and a stitched forehead wound, with no official return date.
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