NEWS

Christoph Baumgartner's Comeback Nears

The ÖFB star is reportedly close to returning to team training. Will he be a candidate for the national team again in November?

Christoph Baumgartner's Comeback Nears Photo: © GEPA
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Austria's Footballer of the Year 2024, Christoph Baumgartner, is reportedly on the verge of his comeback.

The 27-year-old sustained a serious thigh injury during warm-up for the last friendly match before the World Cup against Tunisia.

Return in a Few Weeks?

However, the period of suffering for the Lower Austrian player seems to be coming to an end. According to ÖFB national coach Ralf Rangnick, it is "a matter of one or two weeks" until Baumgartner could rejoin team training.

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Baumgartner am Weg zurück auf den Platz
Foto: ©GEPA

"He feels great, he's ahead of schedule," Rangnick emphasized, highlighting the recovery process of the RB Leipzig legionnaire.

Rangnick Anticipates ÖFB Comeback

It is particularly important for Rangnick that Baumgartner regains match practice in the German Bundesliga. Then a return to the national team in November would also be possible.

"If he plays a few games for Leipzig beforehand, then I fully expect him to be a candidate to be with us for the two matches," said Rangnick.

Besides the Austrian national coach, Leipzig head coach Martín Demichelis will also be pleased about the return of the goal-threatening midfielder. With two wins and two losses at the start of the season, the "Red Bulls" currently only occupy ninth place in the German Bundesliga.

Alaba Also Nearing ÖFB Return

David Alaba could also celebrate a return to the national team in November. For the four-time Champions League winner, after his period without a club, the main focus is on finding his rhythm again and settling in with his new club Udinese Calcio in Italy.

"There's nothing to prevent David's return at first; he's not injured," Rangnick commented on a return to the ÖFB team.

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