The Austrian national football team prepares for a pair of crucial away fixtures in the UEFA Nations League autumn schedule, traveling first to Dublin to face the Republic of Ireland on Thursday. Following a maximum points haul from their opening two home matches, manager Ralf Rangnick’s squad enters the upcoming window with key roster adjustments, highlighted by the return of Bayern Munich midfielder Konrad Laimer.
Laimer Returns and Captaincy Decision Looms
Midfielder Konrad Laimer rejoins the ÖFB setup after missing previous fixtures, bringing vital experience from the Bundesliga to the squad’s upcoming assignments. The versatile Bayern Munich player is widely expected to assume the team’s captaincy for the Dublin trip, provided his physical condition clears him for full participation. Laimer has already integrated into training sessions in Austria, giving Rangnick a significant boost in the middle of the pitch as preparations for Thursday’s kickoff intensify.
Defensive Shake-Up Without Suspended Danso
Austria must play their trip to Dublin without central defender Kevin Danso, who is suspended after accumulating yellow cards. Danso’s absence forces Rangnick to reconfigure his backline once again. Further adjustments see recent debutants Christian Zawieschitzky and Vasilije Markovic, both of whom featured in the match against Kosovo, returning to the U21 national team setup. Meanwhile, the availability of LASK midfielder Sascha Horvath remains uncertain due to fitness concerns.
Tactical Setup and Squad Options
With the squad taking shape in training, Rangnick is expected to rely on his preferred 4-2-3-1 tactical formation against the Irish side. Potential reinforcements include experienced defenders Phillipp Mwene and forward Michael Gregoritsch, both of whom could feature heavily in the matchday plans depending on final fitness evaluations ahead of Thursday’s fixture in Dublin.
