Rangnick must replace Bayern star Laimer – Horvath steps up for ÖFB

On Friday, Bayern star Konrad Laimer was already missing in the 7-0 victory over Union Berlin and will now also be unavailable for the Austrian national team for the time being, after Ralf Rangnick had to make another exclusion decision due to a minor injury in the left adductor area, thereby influencing the lineup for the upcoming Nations League matches.

Rangnick's Squad Decision

Marcel Sabitzer, who is already active for Borussia Dortmund, had previously announced a break, while Konrad Laimer, due to a minor injury in the left adductor area, is now also out. The Austrian Football Association confirmed the injury and stated that Laimer is not available for the Nations League matches for the time being.

Instead of Laimer, LASK captain Sascha Horvath was named as a replacement. The 30-year-old midfielder was already a hot candidate for a regular call‑up, but Rangnick gave other players priority.

Horvath will be involved in at least the first two matches, against Israel next Thursday and against Kosovo on Sunday. Further fixtures are scheduled for October 1 in Ireland and three days later in the return match against Kosovo.

Horvath has been playing for LASK for five years and has developed there into a key player in midfield. In the previous season, he led the Upper Austrians as captain to a historic double, the first title in 61 years for Linz.

Thus Horvath steps up for the nation, while Laimer sits out due to his minor adductor injury. Rangnick now has to tackle the upcoming Nations League tasks with this altered lineup.

The situation highlights how both a club success such as the 7-0 win over Union Berlin and national duties can be affected by unforeseen injuries. Rangnick remains forced to react flexibly in order to keep the Austrian national team competitive.