Austria’s national football team has restructured its squad ahead of upcoming fixtures following a series of injuries in camp, most notably losing young Salzburg goalkeeper Christian Zawieschitzky to an adductor issue just days after his senior international debut. The roster moves impact both Ralf Rangnick’s senior setup and the under-21 national team ahead of crucial European Championship qualifiers.
Goalkeeper Shuffle Triggered by Zawieschitzky Injury
Christian Zawieschitzky suffered a muscle problem in his adductor area, according to Austrian Football Association (ÖFB) announcements on Wednesday. The 19-year-old Red Bull Salzburg goalkeeper had just made his senior debut on Sunday during a 3-1 home victory against Kosovo, where team boss Ralf Rangnick selected him over other options. Following that milestone, Zawieschitzky was initially slated to join the under-21 squad before the injury sidelined him entirely.
To cover the vacancy in the under-21 setup—which faces a decisive European Championship qualifying match against Denmark on Friday in Vienna—LASK goalkeeper Lukas Jungwirth was transferred back from the senior squad. Jungwirth had hoped to earn his first senior cap during the current international window covering UEFA Nations League fixtures against Ireland and Kosovo, but he now returns to his customary role as the under-21 starting goalkeeper for their crucial fixture.
New Faces Added to Rangnick’s Senior Squad
To maintain depth among the goalkeeping ranks for the senior team’s upcoming travel, Saarbrücken goalkeeper Matteo Bignetti was called up as a backup. Bignetti transferred from Sturm Graz to the German third-division club over the summer and has never previously featured in the senior national team setup. While not slated for immediate starting duties, the 22-year-old joins the traveling party as an emergency option.
The remaining senior goalkeeping pool features established World Cup regular Alexander Schlager—currently a reserve at club level following his transfer to Werder Bremen—alongside Viktoria Plzeň’s Florian Wiegele and the newly added Bignetti.
Horvath Departs Camp After Training Injury
Compounding the squad disruption, LASK captain Sascha Horvath departed the national team camp on Wednesday. Horvath sustained an upper leg injury during training in Monday’s session in Vienna. Although an MRI scan revealed no structural damage, the physical discomfort remains too severe for competitive involvement, prompting the coaching staff to avoid any unnecessary risks.
The 30-year-old midfielder had been a late addition to the roster ten days prior and celebrated his international debut last week during a 3-1 victory against Israel in Linz. Due to the lingering thigh issue, Horvath did not accompany the delegation on their travel to Ireland or their subsequent trip to Kosovo.
Upcoming Fixtures and Schedule
The senior ÖFB squad continues its Nations League schedule with an away fixture in Ireland on Thursday, followed by a match in Kosovo on Sunday. Meanwhile, the under-21 national team hosts Denmark in Vienna on Friday for their vital European Championship qualifier.
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