Austria coach Ralf Rangnick anticipates that he’ll get updates from Inter Milan about the fitness of striker Marko Arnautovic.
Rangnick spoke to LaOla TV, via FCInterNews, explaining the situation of the 34-year-old with the national team.
Inter striker Arnautovic is set for a few weeks on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury.
The Austrian former West Ham United and Stoke City picked up the problem in Saturday’s match against his former team Bologna.
Arnautovic came on as a substitute during the second half of the match. And in stoppage time, the veteran striker felt pain in his left thigh.
This was revealed to be a hamstring strain.
It is not certain when exactly Arnautovic will be able to be back on the pitch.
But what looks clear is that the 34-year-old will need at least three or four weeks to recover.
That means that Arnautovic will not be available for Inter’s next two matches. The Nerazzurri face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, and then Napoli in Serie A.
There is also significant doubt about whether Arnautovic can return in time for Inter’s first match back from the international break, away to Empoli at the start of April.
Ragnick On Fitness Of Inter Striker Marko Arnautovic: ‘I’ll Talk To Them’
There is also the international break, in which Arnautovic will certainly miss Austria’s matches against the likes of Slovakia and Turkey.
Austria coach Rangnick commented, “It’s a shame because [the injury] was during one of the best defensive actions I’ve ever seen from Marko.”
“It showed great tactical awareness,” the coach continued.
“Although I’m sure that’s small consolation for him.”
As far as whether Arnautovic could be in the Austria squad at the Euros, Rangnick said that “There’s a possibility that he could return to form again.”
Regarding Arnautovic’s fitness, the Austria coach said that “We’ll fly to Milan to speak with Inter.”
“We’ll meet with those responsible at Inter to ensure that there’s a plan in place to make sure he stays fit afterwards.”
