Rangnick remains in hospital after ankle surgeries; further treatment required amid infection
Austria coach in hospital after contracting a hospital-acquired germ following multiple procedures; ankle specialist to be involved as World Cup qualifiers approach
Ralf Rangnick remains in hospital after contracting a hospital-acquired germ following ankle surgeries, with doctors saying he requires further emergency treatment. The Austria manager initially had a routine operation on his right ankle for wear and tear in June, before being rushed back into surgery in July after complications.
German outlet Bild reports that Rangnick underwent another procedure last week in Murnau, Bavaria, and remains in hospital after picking up the infection. He still requires additional treatment by an ankle specialist, Johannes Gabel, who has worked with Germany’s top players including Manuel Neuer and Jamal Musiala.
Rangnick, 67, has pulled out of Austria’s squad announcement on September 29, but it is understood he will be on the touchline for the team’s World Cup qualifiers in October against San Marino and Romania. The Austrian federation has signaled confidence that he will remain in charge as the campaign continues.
His public appearances have been unusual for a manager still recovering from illness. He arrived at matches aboard a bicycle rather than walking, including during Austria’s recent trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina. At the most recent fixture, a 2-1 victory in which Marcel Sabitzer and Konrad Laimer found the net and Edin Dzeko briefly equalised, Rangnick rode onto the pitch at half-time and again after the final whistle, joking that a walk would have been too long.
Rangnick has led Austria since 2022, guiding them to the last 16 at Euro 2024 after topping a group that included France, the Netherlands and Poland. His record with the national team stands at 21 wins in 37 games. Before taking charge of Austria, he held club roles with Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig, Schalke, Stuttgart and Hannover, and he turned down Bayern Munich in 2024.
As Austria press toward their first World Cup appearance since 1998, the health issue adds an element of uncertainty around the coaching setup for October’s qualifiers. Officials have indicated Rangnick’s medical team will determine when he can resume full duties on the touchline, with the immediate focus on the squad’s upcoming fixtures against San Marino and Romania.