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Schalke have received a boost ahead of Saturday's derby against Borussia Dortmund with the news that Jefferson Farfan and Orlando Engelaar have returned to training.

Both players have been missing since the start of the Bundesliga season after picking up injuries in the first leg of the Champions League qualifier against Atletico Madrid.

Forward Farfan - an £8 million summer arrival from PSV Eindhoven - dislocated his shoulder against the Spanish side, while fellow new signing Engelaar (pictured, left, with Farfan) injured his right knee not long after the midfielder moved from Twente for £4.4 million.

The Konigsblauen will also welcome back midfielder Jermaine Jones for the Ruhr derby at the weekend, the first for new Schalke boss Fred Rutten.

Rutten said: "I know what it [the derby] is all about. This is one of the most important games in Germany."

Rutten, who has presided over the two wins and a draw that have sent Schalke to the top of the table, added: "That said, this will be our fourth game of the season and there are 30 more to follow.

"For me the derby is important, but the championship won't be decided if we win or lose this weekend."

Tony Mabert / Eurosport