Schalke 04 manager Tedesco backs Baba Rahman to shine in Bundesliga opener

Schalke 04 manager Domenico Tedesco has thrown his support to Baba Rahman to deliver in Saturday's Bundesliga opener against VfL Wolfsburg following concerns over the availability of Hamza Mendyl.

Mendyl was acquired by the Veltins-Arena outfit to provide competition for the Black Star as the club prepares to take on the challenge of combining the German topflight with the Champions League.

But the Ghana left-back's performance in last week's DFB Pokal win over lower-tier side Schweinfurt fills Tedesco with optimism despite the likely absence of Mendyl, who is caught up in paperwork relating to his switch.

"Hamza is doing very well in the tackles after his first appearance was a bit shaky," Tedesco said at a press conference on Thursday.

"He made a positive impression and is therefore directly an option.

"Hamza has made a good impression in the first few sessions, he looks fit.

"Ahead of the Wolfsburg game, however, we are unfortunately still waiting on his documents from the embassy. But there's no worry there, as Baba Rahman did very well the last time [against Schweinfurt]."