VIENNA — Austrian football stalwart Marcel Sabitzer has announced a shock decision to take an indefinite hiatus from international duty, marking a significant blow for the Austrian national team as they prepare for the upcoming UEFA Nations League campaign.
The 32-year-old Borussia Dortmund midfielder, who has become the backbone of the national squad with 102 appearances and 27 goals to his name, confirmed through the Austrian Football Association that he will sit out all group-stage matches for the remainder of this year.
Sabitzer cited the relentless physical and mental toll of a grueling schedule as the primary driver for his decision. The veteran playmaker explained that the past two years have been particularly taxing, noting that the sequence of tournaments including Euro 2024, the expanded Club World Cup, and a condensed international calendar has essentially left him playing the equivalent of three full seasons without a meaningful break. With Dortmund’s demanding domestic slate, which includes Bundesliga challenges, the German Cup, and UEFA Champions League commitments, Sabitzer noted that he arrived at the decision after consulting with national team staff to preserve his long-term health and performance.
“I have agreed with the coach to step back for now,” Sabitzer stated. “We will sit down at the beginning of next year to discuss my potential return for the Euro 2028 qualifying campaign.”
The absence of a player of Sabitzer’s caliber creates an immediate tactical void for Austrian head coach Ralf Rangnick. Despite his disappointment, Rangnick expressed understanding regarding the midfielder’s rationale. “I regret that Marcel will not be with us, but his arguments are entirely logical given the workload he has carried,” Rangnick said. The head coach confirmed that a final decision regarding Sabitzer’s future involvement in the national setup would be deferred until early 2025, ahead of the start of the European Championship qualifying cycle in March.
The timing of the announcement comes just as Rangnick prepares to finalize his roster for a critical series of Nations League fixtures. Austria is scheduled to face Israel in Linz on September 24 and Kosovo in Vienna on September 29. The schedule grows increasingly difficult in October, featuring challenging away matches against Ireland in Dublin and a return leg against Kosovo in Pristina.
While fans and pundits alike will be anxious to see if this represents a permanent departure for one of the nation’s most decorated stars, both Sabitzer and Rangnick have kept the door firmly open for a return. For now, however, the Austrian midfield will have to adapt to the absence of its talisman as it navigates a high-stakes autumn campaign.
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