Thomas Tuchel wants Borussia Dortmund to qualify for the knockout stages of the Europa League when they host Qabala on Thursday before turning their focus to the derby against Schalke.
The Bundesliga outfit have been in fine form in Europe so far this campaign and top Group C with seven points from three games played, holding a three-point lead over second-placed Krasnodar.
"It is not starting to itch just yet, but we are obviously looking forward to the derby against Schalke," Tuchel told reporters earlier this week.
"We have a Europa League game against Qabala coming up first, though.
"We want to qualify for the next round on Thursday. We are only thinking about the game against Qabala for now."
The absence of the aforementioned duo is unlikely to affect BVB's confidence heading into the encounter on Thursday - they are unbeaten in seven European games under Tuchel, winning six and drawing one.
Qabala, meanwhile, have little reason for optimism ahead of this week's trip to Dortmund.
Roman Hryhorchuk's men are without a victory in five European contests since eliminating Apollon Limassol in the third qualifying round, drawing three and losing two. Additionally, they have yet to win in five UEFA away fixtures this term.
A Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hat-trick decided the reverse fixture in Baku and Qabala would be wise to keep a close eye on the Gabon international on Thursday. The forward has had eight shots on target in the first three matchdays – more than any other player in this season's group stage.
