Austria head coach Ralf Rangnick has opted not to name a replacement for midfielder Christoph Baumgartner after the 26-year-old was ruled out of the World Cup squad due to injury, the Austrian Football Association (OFB) said.
Baumgartner was eliminated from the tournament following a thigh problem picked up before Monday’s friendly against Tunisia, which ended 1-0 in Austria’s favour.
The setback is regarded as a significant blow for the Austrians, with the RB Leipzig midfielder central to their plans in midfield.
At a glance
- Ralf Rangnick will not call up a replacement after Christoph Baumgartner’s injury.
- Baumgartner suffered a thigh issue before Austria’s 1-0 friendly win over Tunisia on Monday.
- The loss of the 26-year-old is viewed as a major problem for Austria.
- Austria departed for the United States the day before their Group J opener.
- Austria’s first Group J match is against Jordan on June 16, followed by games vs Argentina and Algeria.
Rangnick described the development as difficult for both Baumgartner and Austria as a group, saying: “This is of course very bitter news for Christoph and for us as a team.”
Austria have already travelled to the United States ahead of their opening Group J fixture against Jordan on June 16, with subsequent matches scheduled against Argentina and Algeria.
