RB Leipzig's Christoph Baumgartner scoered 17 goals and grabbed nine assists this season. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Austria midfielder Christoph Baumgartner will miss the World ​Cup after suffering a thigh ‌muscle injury during a pre-match ​warm-up, the country’s ⁠football association said on Tuesday, leaving team officials scrambling for a replacement.

The ‌26-year-old was injured while preparing for Austria’s friendly ‌against Tunisia on Monday, ‌with ⁠an MRI examination confirming he ⁠cannot participate in the tournament.

Baumgartner was in fine form for RB Leipzig ​this season, ‌scoring 17 goals and grabbing nine assists.

“This is of course very bitter news for Christoph ‌and for us as ​a team,” coach Ralf Rangnick said in a statement.

“He ⁠is an important player and a central personality within our ‌team. Now our full support is for his recovery.”

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However, Austria received a boost with captain David Alaba cleared to travel after the 33-year-old ‌was cleared of a muscle injury ​having been substituted at halftime in the 1-0 win.

The ⁠squad will travel on June 4. ⁠Its first group match is against Jordan on ‌June 16, followed by games against defending champion Argentina ​and Algeria.

Published on Jun 02, 2026