Three key players return for Austria women's match against Kosovo

In the training camp on Monday, shortly after the Vienna women’s derby, the Austrian FA women gather to discuss the upcoming play-off duel against Kosovo. Coach Lars Söndergaard looks at three players who, after ACL tears in the summer, are fully fit again.

Return after long injuries

Sarah Zadrazil, Marie Höbinger and Lilli Purtscheller have completed their rehabilitation and are now available with full fitness. At their club teams – Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Werder Bremen – they are back in action, although not for the full 90 minutes.

Coach praises patience and leadership

“We are happy that they are back, but we give them the necessary time to return to their former strength,” explains head coach Lars Söndergaard. He emphasizes that Zadrazil will not only take on a leadership role on the pitch, but also off the field will again assume a central role.

Schedule and significance

Austria meets Kosovo in the first round of the World Cup 2027 play‑offs on 9 October in Pristina and on 13 October at the Vienna Sport‑Club Ground. A win would take the team into the next qualification round.

Further highlights and absences

Söndergaard highlights the performance against Chelsea and stresses that the Austrian FA women can compete at top level. On the Kosovo side, Modesta Uka is one of the key players, but the Austrian FA team is “warned” and accepts the role of favourite.

A regular starter, Chiara d'Angelo, is missing due to a foot injury. Despite this loss, expectations remain high that the returning players will strengthen the team and advance the qualification.