Konrad Laimer will miss Austria's upcoming international matches due to injury. The Bayern Munich midfielder has sustained a light injury to his left adductor, the Austrian Football Association (ÖFB) confirmed.
Head coach Ralf Rangnick has moved quickly to replace him, calling up LASK captain Sascha Horvath. The 30-year-old will be included in the squad for at least the first two friendlies against Israel on Thursday and Kosovo on Sunday. Austria, currently second in World Cup qualifying with four points from three games, are without several experienced players for this period. Alongside Laimer, Dejan Ljubičić, Florian Grillitsch and Michael Svoboda are also sidelined.
Horvath brings leadership and experience. He has played for LASK for five years and captained them to a historic double last season, the club's first titles in 61 years. Rangnick had initially prioritised other players before turning to the midfielder. Laimer's absence is a blow as the team looks to build momentum after a 3-0 loss to Spain in July and a recent run of two wins, one draw and two defeats in their last five outings.
The next challenge is at home to Israel on Thursday, 24 September.
Horvath is expected to join the squad on Monday and will be available for preparation ahead of the four friendly matches during this international break.
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