ÖFB Star Baumgartner Gives Update: "That's Really Awesome!"

ÖFB star Christoph Baumgartner suffered an injury at an extremely bitter time. Shortly before the World Cup, the Lower Austrian severely injured his thigh during the warm-up before the test match against Tunisia.

The 26-year-old is currently undergoing rehabilitation training at RB Leipzig. "When you're allowed to run again for the first time after two months, you think to yourself: That's really awesome. Normally, running is just part of it. In this situation, it suddenly becomes really fun," reports the Austrian.

Baumgartner Is Fully On Track

He can partially train with the ball again, but there's still a ways to go before team training. "We are still far from football training, but it's something very special. You often only learn to appreciate such things again when they haven't been possible for a while," reveals the attacking player.

The goal is to be one hundred percent fit. "So far, it's going sensationally well and we are fully on track. The crucial thing will be how my body reacts when it comes to shooting and sprinting again," explains Baumgartner.

Grateful for US Trip

He is particularly grateful to the ÖFB and RB Leipzig; the national player was allowed to travel to the States despite his injury to support his teammates up close.

"When you're standing on the sidelines with crutches and watching your teammates warm up, that's not easy. Nevertheless, it was absolutely the right decision to be with the team," said the Austrian.

ÖFB captain David Alaba helped him in many situations; the veteran missed the European Championship two years ago. "If you get too stuck in negative thoughts, that can also have a negative impact on the healing process," Baumgartner knows.