HeadlinesBriefing favicon HeadlinesBriefing.com

Alaba cleared but Baumgartner out of Austria's World Cup campaign

BBC Sport European Football •
×

Austria captain David Alaba has been declared fit for the World Cup despite suffering a muscle injury during Monday's 1-0 friendly victory over Tunisia. The former Bayern Munich and Real Madrid defender was substituted at halftime but received medical clearance to travel to the United States with the squad.

However, midfielder Christoph Baumgartner will miss the tournament entirely after sustaining a thigh muscle injury during the pre-match warm-up. The RB Leipzig player's absence represents a significant blow to Austria's midfield options, particularly given his impressive form this season.

Baumgartner contributed 17 goals and nine assists across all competitions for Leipzig, establishing himself as one of the team's most important attacking players. Coach Ralf Rangnick described the news as bitter for both player and team, emphasizing Baumgartner's central role within the squad. Austria opens their World Cup campaign against Jordan on June 16 before facing Argentina and Algeria.