AMSTERDAM – Hertha Berlin defender John Anthony Brooks made his first Bundesliga appearance in a month on Saturday evening, working the final 20 minutes in a 2-0 loss at Schalke.
The US international managed a pair of tackles on his return to Jos Luhukay's first team, following a September public calling-out from the manager over his consistency at the back and a couple of full shifts with the reserve side. Now winless in nine league games, dating back to last season, Hertha slipped to 13th place.
Over in Belgium's Jupiler League, Sacha Kljestan was an unused sub as league leaders Anderlecht rallied for a 1-1 share at Mechelen. The champs remained the last unbeaten in the table through 11 games to tentatively move five points clear at the top.
