It is the worst possible news Austria could have received days before flying out.
Christoph Baumgartner is out of the entire World Cup.
The 26-year-old RB Leipzig forward suffered a right thigh muscle injury during warm-up before Monday's friendly against Tunisia (1-0). What looked like routine caution on the night was confirmed as serious by an MRI on Tuesday morning: participation in the World Cup is not possible.
"This is of course very bitter news for Christoph and for us as a team. He is an important player and a central personality within our squad," said head coach Ralf Rangnick in the ÖFB statement.
A major blow to Austria's attack
Baumgartner had an unstoppable season at RB Leipzig: 17 goals, 9 assists — the best of his career. With 19 goals in 58 international caps he is one of the most dangerous forwards in the squad. Before the tournament he said: "The timing couldn't be better for me personally." Those words land differently today.
ÖFB Sporting Director Peter Schöttel called it a "gut punch for Austrian football." Baumgartner is seen as nearly irreplaceable against deep-sitting opponents — precisely the kind Austria will face against Jordan in the opener.
Replacement coming this week
FIFA allows injury replacements up to 24 hours before a team's first match. Austria play Jordan on June 17 (6:00 AM CEST, live on ORF1) in Santa Clara. Rangnick is expected to announce a replacement within days.
Good news: Alaba is fine
David Alaba was also checked — positive result. No muscle injury. Austria's captain travels with the squad to the USA on Thursday as planned.
What this means for your tips
Baumgartner was on many tippers' shortlist for Austria's top scorer. His absence puts more pressure on Sabitzer — who has scored in every warm-up — and opens the door for Gregoritsch, Kalajdzic, or whoever gets the replacement call.
Austria's first World Cup group match in 28 years will happen without their best attacking player. Football can be brutal.
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