Baumgartner injured: Gregoritsch moves into Austria's starting eleven for Tunisia test

Laimer in an unfamiliar position

Konrad Laimer has a special role. The native of Salzburg is being deployed by Rangnick as a left-back – a position he has rarely occupied for the national team so far. However, Laimer has played on this side multiple times for FC Bayern Munich last season.

Romano Schmid starts on the right attacking side. Rangnick indicated that this lineup is likely to largely correspond to the one that could also play in the first World Cup match against Jordan. "One can assume that it is largely the eleven that could also play against Jordan," explained the team boss.

Tunisia's lineup

Tunisia is fielding the following starting formation: Chamakh in goal, with the back four of Valery, Talbi, Rekik, and Abdi ahead of him. Skhiri and Khedira will operate in midfield, while Gharbi, Ben Slimane, and Mejbri will form the attack behind striker Chaouat.

The match at the Happel Stadium is the final dress rehearsal for Austria before their departure to the USA, which will take place three days after the Tunisia match. Rangnick wants to use the opportunity to refine final tactical details and check his team's rhythm.

World Cup dress rehearsal with question marks

The last-minute change due to Baumgartner's withdrawal forces the coaching staff into an initial test of resilience. Gregoritsch, who has proven his goal-scoring ability in the past, now has the chance to recommend himself for a starting spot at the World Cup.

Baumgartner will undergo medical examinations in the coming days to determine the exact severity of his thigh injury. His participation in the World Cup is uncertain at this point.