Kalajdžić recalled to Austria squad for World Cup after 1,245-day injury absence
The 28-year-old, who missed 1,245 days due to three cruciate ligament tears, returns to the national team for the 2026 tournament in North America.
Austrian manager Ralf Rangnick has recalled striker Saša Kalajdžić to the national squad for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. The 28-year-old makes his World Cup debut after recovering from a series of severe injuries that kept him out of international football for 1,245 days. Kalajdžić’s inclusion follows the short-term injury withdrawal of teammate Christoph Baumgartner, who suffered a thigh injury in a recent friendly against Tunisia.
Kalajdžić, who is currently on loan at LASK from Wolverhampton Wanderers, is expected to serve as the primary striker alongside Marco Arnautović, or potentially in a supporting role behind him. His call-up provides an opportunity for the former Bundesliga player to re-establish his standing on the international stage after a prolonged absence. He described his international comeback in March 2026 against Ghana as a "relief," noting that he "somehow enjoyed" the experience.
The striker’s path back to the top level was marked by significant physical setbacks. Over a five-year period, Kalajdžić suffered three cruciate ligament tears, a period that began with his second major knee injury shortly after joining Wolverhampton Wanderers for 18 million euros in 2021. He has managed only 16 appearances for the English club during his four-year tenure, with his career trajectory shifting significantly after moving to LASK in the summer of 2025.
During the 2025/26 season, Kalajdžić played a key role in LASK’s success, contributing to the club winning both the Austrian Bundesliga title and the cup. He recorded 18 goal contributions in 29 matches, with his confidence bolstered during the winter preparation phase. He identified a cup match against Blau-Weiß Linz, where he scored and provided an assist, as the moment he realised he could compete at the highest level again.
Kalajdžić announced his departure from LASK at the end of May and is returning to Wolverhampton Wanderers. The World Cup offers a critical platform for him to recommend himself to potential new clubs ahead of the summer transfer window. With Austria set to face Jordan, Argentina, and Algeria in the group stage, the striker aims to utilise his finishing ability and playmaking skills to secure his future in football.
