Baba Rahman eager to make Schalke bow ‘in few days'

Schalke 04 new acquisition Baba Rahman could make his debut against TSG Hoffenheim on Saturday following his re-signing from Chelsea last month.

The Ghana international is back at Veltins-Arena on an 18-month contract, having had last season's loan stint cut short by injury.

His first appearance upon his return has, however, been delayed due to fitness concerns, although he did make an outing for Chelsea's reserves against Queens Park Rangers prior to the move.

"I hope that in the next few days I will become an option for the coach but he will decide when it’s the right time," Baba told his club's official website.

"In the last couple of weeks I have worked hard to catch up because I was lacking strength and power.

"It [injury] doesn’t hurt me anymore and even mentally it doesn’t affect me."

Baba made 13 appearances involving seven starts for Schalke during his first loan spell.

"Next year I want us to be playing in Europe," added Baba.

"It’s also my dream to play in the DFB-Pokal final.

"This year, we still have the semi to play and I’m sure Frankfurt will be strong opponent but I’m hoping that we will be able to bag ourselves a place in the final."

Baba joined Chelsea in August 2015 but limited opportunities at Stamford Bridge warranted a move to Schalke a year later after playing 15 league games in his first season with the Blues.

The switch to the Bundesliga ended abruptly when the 23-year-old picked up a thigh injury while on international duty with Ghana at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Gabon.

Originally scheduled to return to action after seven months, a series of complications kept him out of action until last month's appearance against Queens Park Rangers.