Austria's national team manager Ralf Rangnick has named a squad for the decisive Nations League matches against Ireland and Israel. The selection includes a first senior call-up for young Sturm Graz midfielder Luca Weinhandl. The team enters these fixtures on an unbeaten run of four matches, with two wins and two draws in their last four outings.
The team is unbeaten in its group and sits top of the table. A home win against Ireland in Linz would secure the group title and promotion to the top league. This key home fixture against Ireland takes place on Saturday 14 November. The second match follows three days later against Israel in Debrecen.
Weinhandl debuts, Alaba absent
The biggest surprise in the squad is the inclusion of the teenage Weinhandl. Alongside the newcomer, Christoph Baumgartner returns from injury and Michael Svoboda is also back. Svoboda replaces Marco Friedl, who is only on the reserve list.
Captain David Alaba is not involved. The defender is out with an injury. Also omitted is Vasilije Markovic, who will feature for the U19 national team instead.
Promotion within reach
The team heads into the final fixtures with significant confidence. They are unbeaten in their last internationals. Their most recent match was a 1-1 draw in Kosovo on 4 October, where Christoph Lang equalised. Before that, they came from behind to draw 2-2 in Ireland on 1 October. Their recent victories were a 3-1 win over Kosovo and a 3-1 win over Israel in September. In their current form of two wins and two draws, the squad is well prepared.
Four LASK players are in the squad, including captain Sascha Horvath. However, no players from traditional club Rapid Wien were selected. In goal, Lukas Jungwirth could make his senior debut in Linz.
By calling up the young Weinhandl, Rangnick is sending a clear signal about the future of Austrian football. The objective for the upcoming international break is clear: promotion must be sealed at home in the Raiffeisen Arena.
Further reading: Sky Sport Austria
