Schalke were missing seven players due to COVID-19 in Wednesday's match, while Hertha were slowly returning back to full strength after their own outbreak of cases.

Striker Dodi Lukebakio was one of those who returned for Hertha, coming off the bench for his first game in a month - but he got sent off late in the game after yellow cards for a tactical foul and a bad challenge.

It left Hertha holding on for a win that lifted them to 13th in the 18-team league with two rounds left as already-relegated Schalke hit the post twice in quick succession in injury time.

Hertha were given an early shock when Amine Harit put Schalke ahead in the sixth minute after easing past three defenders before shooting inside the far post.

Hertha captain Dedryck Boyata equalised with a thumping header after a free kick in the 19th for his first goal of the season.

Jessic Ngankam, who came on for the injured Krzysztof Piatek in the 58th minute, finally rewarded the visitors' pressure with a 74th minute winner.

Schalke goalkeeper Ralf Fahrmann denied Nemanja Radonjic what would have been Hertha's third goal, before Lukebakio's sending off.

Australian Associated Press