Losses to Bayern Munich and leaders Bayer Leverkusen have seen the Royal Blues drop eight points adrift of the summit.

That is why a win over their relegation-threatened neighbours is a must.

"We did not play well at Leverkusen but that is in the past," said Rutten.

"I always think positively. After two games we did not have to lose we now have the chance to rehabilitate ourselves against Gladbach."

Rutten warned his players to keep a close eye on youngster Marko Marin.

"He is a very talented player and finds solutions nobody else would find," he said. "He is extremely creative."

Rafinha will be unavailable for selection following his fifth yellow card of the season, while Gustavo Varela and Carlos Grossmuller are still serving an internal suspension.

Gladbach will be without Jan-Ingwer Callsen-Bracker, Thomas Kleine (shoulder surgery) and Oliver Neuville (thigh).

Filip Daems returned from international duty with Belgium with an ankle injury and is doubtful.

"He is in a lot of pain and I cant really see him playing," coach Hans Meyer said. "We will have to wait and see what the doctors say. It would be a huge blow to play without him."

Meyer hopes to keep the scores level as long as possible.

"Schalke are a strong team and they face high expectations at home," he said.

"If the game is scoreless for a long time, maybe the fans will get nervous. But that is all speculation."