Baumgartner out for months after surgery; Rangnick won't call up replacement

Austrian international footballer Christoph Baumgartner faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery for a severe muscle injury. The operation, performed by a specialist in Turku, Finland, was successful, but the recovery period means he will miss significant time for both his club and country.

The injury has dashed Baumgartner's hopes of participating in the 2026 World Cup, a major blow for the player and the Austrian national team. The midfielder, a key player for RB Leipzig and Austria, sustained the injury just two days prior to the operation, forcing his withdrawal from the tournament.

Following the surgery, Baumgartner is expected to be out of action for several months. This extended absence will impact RB Leipzig's upcoming matches and Austria's campaign in the World Cup. The severity of the muscle tear in his right thigh necessitates a careful and prolonged rehabilitation process.

In response to Baumgartner's unavailability, national team coach Ralf Rangnick has opted not to nominate a replacement player for the World Cup squad at this juncture. Rangnick will monitor the situation and potentially make a decision on a substitution at a later stage, but for now, the team will proceed without an immediate replacement for the injured star.