Baumgartner excluded from World Cup for Austria because of injury, Alaba cleared to travel

Baumgartner excluded from World Cup for Austria because of injury, Alaba cleared to travel
Topics:

The 26-year-old was injured while preparing for Austria's friendly against Tunisia on Monday, with an MRI scan confirming that he cannot take part in the tournament.

Baumgartner had been in excellent form for RB Leipzig this season, scoring 17 goals and providing nine assists.

"This is of course very disappointing news for Christoph and for us as a team," said coach Ralf Rangnick in a statement.

"He is an important player and a key figure within our team. Our full focus is now on his recovery."

However, Austria received a boost with captain David Alaba given the all clear to travel after the 33-year-old was cleared of a muscle injury, having been replaced at half time in the 1-0 win.

The squad will travel on 4 June. Their first group stage match is against Jordan on 16 June, followed by games against defending champions Argentina and Algeria.