Marcel Sabitzer to take break from Austria national team

In Austria, Borussia Dortmund midfielder Marcel Sabitzer has decided to take a break from playing for the national team. He will not be available for this year's Nations League group-stage matches, Channel NewsAsia reports, citing the Austrian Football Association.

Break until Euro 2028 qualifying

The 32-year-old footballer will consider his future with the national team before qualification for the 2028 European Championship begins next March. Sabitzer has made 102 appearances and scored 27 goals for Austria's national team.

The player explained his decision by the demanding schedule of the past two years. According to him, after Euro 2024 he effectively played three seasons due to the Club World Cup and the World Cup. This season, he also faces matches in the Bundesliga, the German Cup and the Champions League.

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Sabitzer said that he had agreed with the coach to take a break, and at the beginning of next year the parties will discuss the player's possible return to the national team for the Euro 2028 qualifying matches.

Ralf Rangnick's position

Austria head coach Ralf Rangnick said he regretted Sabitzer's absence but understood his arguments. According to the coach, a decision on the player's further involvement with the team will be made before Euro 2028 qualifying begins.

Rangnick is set to announce the squad for the Nations League matches against Israel in Linz on September 24 and Kosovo in Vienna on September 29. In October, Austria will also play away against Ireland in Dublin and Kosovo in Pristina.

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