Karimi makes roster for Bundesliga derby

PFDC – DORTMUND, Iranian playmaker Ali Karimi is one of only two winter signins at Schalke 04 being included in Felix Magath’s 18-men-squad for the big derby against archrivals Borussia Dortmund on Friday.

While Ghanaian Anthony Annan is expected to start, Karimi will be among the substitutes.

Further new arrivals Angelos Charisteas and Danilo Avelar are not in the roster.

Meanwhile Magath received heavy critisicm from Schalke fans and local media for his numerous transfers since taking over Schalke in summer 2009 but also specifically for the signings of veteran free agents Karimi and Charisteas.

Borussia Dortmund are sovereign Bundesliga leaders, Schalke only stand in ninth position of the table, 25 point behind Dortmund.