Wöber returns to the Nations League after injury spell

In the remote team camp in Windischgarsten, Maximilian Wöber is in the spotlight as he announces his comeback after a long ordeal of three injuries. The 28‑year‑old emphasizes that he feels 100 percent fit and is ready for the upcoming Nations League matches of the Austrian national team.

Three Injuries, a Long Road

Wöber suffered muscle injuries in the thigh, the calf and the adductor. These three setbacks caused him to miss practically the entire last season as well as the football World Cup in North America. Without regular training, the question whether his body could still sustain the level was ever‑present.

Especially bitter was the injury on May 9 against Hoffenheim, when he felt a sharp pain shortly after his substitution during a throw‑in. The incident sealed his exit from the World Cup, as he immediately knew he would no longer be available.

The medical diagnosis confirmed that he would have been fit only just in time for the first World Cup matches. “Then the team coach and I said, it makes no sense,” explained the 28‑year‑old defender. During that period the mental strain was great, but now the “time” for a new chapter has arrived.

Wöber recalls the many tears that flowed after the shattered World Cup dream, and stresses that the negative thoughts have now vanished. “That’s football,” he said, “and that’s why I’m all the happier that the time is over.” The name Daniela is mentioned in the original text. As he himself says, it was a hard moment.

Schalke Medical and New Confidence

According to Wöber, Schalke’s medical department contributed significantly to his recovery. “I have been built up superbly, can now attack fully and no longer have to worry whether I train too much or too little,” he explained. The intensive training has restored his confidence.

In the Austrian Football Association national team, Wöber has so far made four appearances as a substitute and scored a goal against Union Berlin. His 31st and so far last international match took place in June 2025 with a 2‑1 victory in Vienna over Romania. Since then, players such as David Alaba, Marko Arnautović, Marcel Sabitzer, Christoph Baumgartner and Konrad Laimer have left the squad.

Wöber sees the responsibility to fill the gap in the remaining experienced players. “Since Marko is no longer there, the dinner table is quieter and more people talk, not just him,” he joked. The comeback gives him the chance to take on this leadership role.

Nations League Tasks and Outlook

The upcoming Nations League fixtures demand a swift return to former strength. On Thursday, Austria faces Israel in Linz at 20:45, and on Sunday at 18:00 in Vienna they meet Kosovo, both games live on ORF 1. Wöber stresses that intensity, mentality and the right attitude are decisive.

A two‑hour training session on Tuesday was described by Wöber as “brutal, intensive training.” “It was a brutal, intensive training,” he repeated, while the whole team had already carried out an analysis of the World Cup performances. The squad had discussed together where they need to start.