Thorup guarantees Pokal starts for Claude-Maurice and Dahmen

The impressive starting XI debut of French striker Alexis Claude-Maurice in this weekend's league upset of Borussia Dortmund shall lead to the 26-year-old remaining in the starting XI for this evening's Pokal match against the struggling FC Schalke 04. FCA trainer Jess Thorup confirmed the news at his Monday presser. That wasn't the only piece of squad news that Thorup had to convey.

Thorup also revealed that one of his players who happens to be struggling to reclaim his starting spot will receive a chance to avail himself of the opportunity against die Königsblauen. The 26-year-old former German youth international started 32 fixtures across all competitions for the Fuggerstädter last year, but lost his starting role to summer signing Nediljko Labrovic in training camp.

“Finn will start,” Thorup noted on Monday, also giving every indication that Dahmen could get his starting place back as Labrovic has had his issues as well, "He [Dahmen] has earned it over the last few weeks and has also shown great commitment in training. This is now an opportunity for Finn to get into a game and show himself.”