Christoph Baumgartner

Analysis: Baumgartner underwent a procedure in June and has not recovered after his thigh was worked on, with the midfielder still in rehabilitation. Unfortunately for the club, this is a major loss, as he is set to be a starter and is an important part of the team, recording 13 goals and eight assists in 33 appearances last campaign. This will likely leave Nicolas Seiwald, Ezechiel Banzuzi, Brajan Gruda or Arthur Vermeeren to make up the three starting in midfield to begin the campaign, as Assan Ouedraogo (shoulder) looks to also be out.

Jun 10, 2026

Continues rehabilitation at WC camp

Baumgartner (muscular) will travel to Austria's World Cup camp in Santa Barbara to continue his rehabilitation following the successful procedure on his muscle injury, with the federation and RB Leipzig accommodating his wish to recover in the national team environment, the club announced.

Analysis: Baumgartner sustained the injury ahead of the June 1 friendly against Tunisia and has already undergone a successful procedure, ruling him out of the World Cup entirely. Despite his unavailability for the tournament, the 26-year-old will spend a week at the Austrian camp working on his recovery under optimal medical conditions provided by both the federation and RB Leipzig. His presence in the camp will allow him to support his teammates during the competition while continuing his rehabilitation in familiar surroundings. A return to action ahead of next season remains the primary target, with the procedure expected to have him fit for the 2026-27 campaign.