RB Leipzig midfielder Christoph Baumgartner has opened up about the psychological toll of missing this summer’s World Cup, admitting the mental pain of his injury was “huge” after Austria qualified for their first tournament in 28 years. The 27-year-old is now focused on recovering in time to play in the Champions League this season.
The injury that shattered a dream
Baumgartner sustained the thigh injury while warming up for Austria’s final pre-World Cup friendly against Tunisia. The damage required surgery and immediately ended his hopes of featuring in the finals.
“The physical pain is irrelevant. That only lasts for a short while,” Baumgartner told RB Leipzig’s club media. “But the mental pain was huge, I won’t lie.”
The absence was particularly cruel given Austria’s achievement in qualifying for their first World Cup since 1998. “Ever since I can remember, my goal was to play at a World Cup,” he explained. “We had managed to qualify for the first time in 28 years, which for Austria, is anything but guaranteed. It was extremely tough at first.”
Finding support and setting new goals
Despite the initial despair, Baumgartner sought to remain connected with the squad. He underwent surgery two days after the injury and flew out to join the team at the tournament within a week.
“To still be able to be there with them really helped lift my spirits,” he said. The midfielder also leaned heavily on his family and wife, requesting that they focus on the future rather than the disappointment. “I was extremely down the first few days after my injury. I then said to my parents, my family and my wife that I no longer wanted to hear anyone go on about how sad and unfortunate the situation was.”
Baumgartner has since shifted his attention to club football. Playing in the Champions League with Leipzig represents his immediate target, while he retains hope of appearing at a future World Cup with Austria.
“Fortunately, I’m not in my mid-thirties yet. I will hopefully be able to play in at least one World Cup still, maybe even two,” he said.
Return timeline
While no exact date has been set for his comeback, a return sometime in the autumn is currently considered realistic. Baumgartner will be hoping to regain full fitness in time to make an impact in Europe’s premier club competition.