Sabitzer announces break from Austrian national team, to miss Nations League matches

Marcel Sabitzer was a part of Austria’s squad at the FIFA World Cup 2026. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Marcel Sabitzer has announced that he will take a break from the Austrian national team, and will thus not be available for this year’s UEFA Nations League matches.

In a statement released by the Austrian football associations, Sabitzer — who has scored 27 times in 102 appearances for the national side — said that he would reasses his future ahead of the 2028 European Championship qualifiers.

“The past two years have been very intense. Since Euro 2024, ‌I’ve effectively played three seasons because of the ‌Club ⁠World Cup and the World Cup,” Sabitzer ⁠said in a statement from the OFB.

“This season is also packed, with the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Champions League. I’m 32 years ​old, I still want ‌to play football at the highest level for several more years and I have to manage my energy carefully.

“I therefore agreed with the coach, ‌in open and trusting discussions, that I would ​take a break now and that we will discuss at the beginning of next ⁠year whether I will return to the national team for the Euro qualifiers.”

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Coach Ralf Rangnick said that though he was disappointed to lose the services of the 32-year-old, he understood the decision.

“We will make a joint decision in good time before the start of the Euro 2028 qualifying matches about how to proceed. In any ‌case, I’m pleased that Marcel will basically be available again ​if we need him. That shows me how important the national team still is to ⁠him.”

Rangnick is soon expected to announce his squad for the upcoming intenational break, where Austria is set to face Israel, Ireland, and Kosovo twice.