Christoph Baumgartner of Bundesliga club RB Leipzig will probably be out for longer than expected. After suffering a muscle injury in his right thigh during the warm-up before the international match against Tunisia (1:0), the Austrian international underwent surgery on Wednesday. According to RB, the operation was successful. "Our attacking player will begin his rehab soon and continue it for the most part in Leipzig during the preparation for the 2026/27 season," the Saxons announced.
Baumgartner's absence will not only affect the Austrian national team, but RB will also have to do without the 26-year-old, who became one of the most important pillars of the Saxons' game last season, at the start of the season. 17 goals and nine assists made him Leipzig's top scorer and also raised the hopes of the Austrians, who are coached by Ralf Rangnick, for the World Cup. "Unfortunately, my big dream of playing in the World Cup has been shattered. I still can't believe it. This is the hardest day of my career for me - and it will certainly take me a while to come to terms with this defeat," Baumgartner said on Instagram.
