Schlager's wrist injured: Who will step in for the Club World Cup?

Schlager's wrist injured: Who will step in for the Club World Cup?

Alexander Schlager, the talented goalkeeper of Austrian football club Red Bull Salzburg, is expected to withdraw from training for several weeks due to a wrist injury. [Vienna.at](https://www.vienna.at/salzburg-goalie-schlager-muss-nicht-operiert- Werden/9439283) reports that Schlager sustained the injury in training before the crucial Bundesliga game against Blau-Weiß Linz. The incident occurred recently, making the situation particularly problematic.

The injury affects the left wrist and after examinations were carried out it was decided that surgery was not necessary. Instead, the wrist must be immobilized with a splint for four weeks. This measure is intended to support faster healing. ÖFB team boss Ralf Rangnick also commented on the situation and predicted that Schlager would not be able to play for a period of four to six weeks. This could have serious consequences for participation in the upcoming Club World Cup in the USA, which takes place from June 14 to July 13, 2025.

Impact on the Club World Cup

Since time is running out until the Club World Cup, it is unclear whether Schlager will be fit again in time. According to Salzburger Nachrichten, the team could be represented by a young goalkeeper trio. Christian Zawieschitzky, who is 18 years old and promising, is first in line to take the number one position during the tournament. A challenge for him as he has a high level of responsibility.

Salko Hamzić and Jonas Krumrey, who is returning from Lyngby, are also being discussed as possible entries, but Zawieschitzky currently has the best cards. Experienced goalkeeper Janis Blaswich will not take part in the USA trip as he has already been officially dismissed.

Context and common injuries in football

Schlager's situation is in the context of the high risk of injury that football brings with it. According to Sports Medicine, players often suffer injuries due to the physically intense nature of the game. Contact injuries are particularly common, with around 50% of injuries occurring during competition. However, non-contact injuries are common during training.

The Society for Arthroscopy and Joint Surgery has found that about 50% of injuries are mild, while 35% are considered moderate. It should be emphasized that in the case of stretches and torn ligaments, a quicker comeback is possible with conservative treatment. Experience shows that professional athletes often have to accept longer periods of downtime after more serious injuries such as Schlager's, such as torn cruciate ligaments.

For Alexander Schlager and Red Bull Salzburg, however, what is now crucial is how quickly the healing process progresses and whether he will be ready for action again in time for the Club World Cup.