Sport · Singapore Bureau
Austria midfielder Sabitzer steps back from national team duty
Austria's football association announced on Sunday that midfielder Marcel Sabitzer will take a hiatus from international football and miss the country's upcoming Nations League matches this year.
LSN Singapore ·
Marcel Sabitzer will not feature in Austria's Nations League group fixtures as the midfielder takes a break from national team commitments, the Austrian Football Association (OFB) confirmed over the weekend.
The decision comes as Austria prepares for its Nations League campaign later in the calendar year. The OFB did not provide specific details regarding the length of Sabitzer's absence or the reasons behind the midfielder's request for time away from international duties.
Sabitzer, a key player in Austria's midfield, has been a regular fixture in the national team setup in recent seasons. His absence will require the coaching staff to reassess squad options for the upcoming group stage matches.
The OFB said it respects the player's decision and will continue planning for the competitive Nations League matches without him for the remainder of the year. Austria will look to manage squad rotation and call upon alternative options to fill the gap in midfield during this period.