Austria to use injured player as 'non-playing captain' at Euro 2024
The 31-year-old is widely regarded as one of his nation's best-ever players, earning 105 caps since making his debut in 2009.
However, Alaba has been sidelined since suffering a serious knee injury while representing Los Blancos in December, keeping him out of action until at least the start of next season.
Not having Alaba at his disposal is a major blow to Austria and head coach Ralf Rangnick, who has transformed the country into one of the dark horses to go far in the competition.
Nevertheless, it has since been revealed that the national team skipper will link up with the squad in the role of 'a non-playing captain'.
What has Rangnick had to say?Commenting on the decision, Rangnick said: «It is a great shame of course that he isn't available to us as a player. Over the last weeks I've have had close exchanges with David. He stressed he wanted very much to still be with us.
»Therefore, I am very happy to say this will be possible after a good discussion with his club Real Madrid."
Red Bull Salzburg goalkeeper Alexander Schlager and RB Leipzig midfielder Xaver Schlager have also each sustained knee injuries and will miss the tournament.
The squad is still full of experience and notable names, though, including midfield trio Konrad Laimer, Marcel Sabitzer and Christoph Baumgartner.
Forward Marko Arnautovic, now a veteran of 111 caps, is also included, with West Bromwich Albion's Andreas Weimann the solitary representative from English football.
Fixtures against Serbia and Switzerland will take place on
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