GELSENKIRCHEN, Germany (AFP) - Schalke 04's hopes of reviving their flagging Champions League campaign suffered a blow on Monday after striker Kevin Kuranyi was ruled out of Tuesday's clash with Chelsea.

The German international injured his left thigh in Friday's league loss to Energie Cottbus and has lost his race to be fit for Chelsea's visit to the Veltins Arena.

Schalke, gunning for revenge after losing 2-0 at Stamford Bridge a fortnight ago, had already described the Brazil-born Kuranyi as a major doubt for the Group B fourth round fixture.

There is also a doubt over the participation of Kuranyi's fellow striker Gerald Asamoah who failed to complete training on Monday complaining of a knee problem.

Flu-hit midfielder Fabian Ernst's participation is also far from certain but despite his injury concerns manager Mirko Slomka expects his team to give Chelsea a proper fight.

"We want to show our supporters that we're a team which can battle, we don't want to let our chance go begging."

Schalke are propping up the standings with three points behind leaders Chelsea on seven.