Man United’s on-loan midfielder Marcel Sabitzer picks up knee problem while away on international duty for Austria – but former interim boss Ralf Rangnick says he could still play in their Euro 2024 qualifier against Estonia tonight
- The midfielder was withdrawn after 74 minutes of the game against Azerbaijan
- Former United boss confirmed that Sabitzer has since missed Austria training
Manchester United’s on-loan midfielder Marcel Sabitzer has picked up a knee problem while on international duty for Austria.
In a worrying development for Erik ten Hag, Sabitzer was taken off after 74 minutes of his nation’s opening Euro 2024 qualifier against Azerbaijan at the Raiffeisen Arena on Saturday evening.
Sabitzer, who has enjoyed a strong start to life at Old Trafford, scored two goals – including a superb-free-kick – and made one assist in the 4-1 win over Azerbaijan.
But Austrian manager and former United interim boss Ralf Rangnick may be without Sabitzer, who has been captaining his country in the absence of David Alaba, for the clash with Estonia on Monday.
But Rangnick said there was a chance the Bayern Munich midfielder would still play in the Euro 2024 qualifier despite the knee issue.
Marcel Sabitzer scored twice for Austria against Azerbaijan before being taken off with an injury
Austrian boss Ralf Rangnick said Sabitzer could play on Monday night despite the knee issue
He said: ‘In the end, it is a question of pain and pain tolerance for Marcel. Of course, we hope that Marcel will do well, especially after that first game in Linz.
‘At the moment, I’m optimistic that it can work but, at the end of the day, it’s also a question of whether Marcel feels ready for it himself. At the moment, I am assuming he’ll play.’
Despite his manager’s confidence that he will be able to return in time to face Estonia, Sabitzer was not involved in training with the rest of the squad over the weekend.
Fans of Austria and United alike will be hoping that Sabitzer can make a swift recovery, given the importance of some of his performances for club and country in recent weeks.
His first goal for United came in the FA Cup quarter-final win over Fulham in the last game before the international break as he scored the crucial second goal.
Ten Hag will also have a minor selection crisis in midfield if Sabitzer is not able to make a speedy recovery as Christian Eriksen remains out and Casemiro still has three games of his four-match ban left to serve.
United will travel to St James’ Park to face Newcastle in a monumental clash in the race for the Premier League top four in their first game back after the international break next Sunday.
The on-loan United midfielder is currently captaining Austria in the absence of David Alaba
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