Former Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick faces an extended period in hospital after developing an infection following ankle surgery.
The Austrian boss has been forced to cancel his planned squad announcement for the national team for September.
The 67-year-old contracted a "hospital germ" after undergoing surgery last week at a medical facility in Bavaria.
This latest setback compounds existing complications from ankle procedures performed in recent months, leaving the former Red Devils manager requiring additional emergency medical intervention.
Ralf Rangnick has developed an infection following surgery
|GETTY
The infection means Rangnick will be unable to fulfil his immediate duties with the Austrian national team, disrupting preparations for their upcoming World Cup qualifying fixtures scheduled for October.
It also represents the latest in a series of medical complications that began when Rangnick underwent a routine ankle procedure in June to address wear and tear issues.
That initial surgery led to serious inflammation of the surgical wound, necessitating emergency intervention in July when he returned to the operating theatre.
The persistent ankle troubles have significantly impacted Rangnick's mobility in recent weeks.
JUST IN: Harry Kane reiterates NFL dream and places timeline on dramatic sport change
During Austria's 2-1 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina earlier this month, he resorted to using an electric bicycle to traverse the pitch and reach the tunnel.
Lars Kornetka, Rangnick's assistant, will assume responsibility for the Austrian national team during the international break in October, according to reports.
The deputy will oversee Austria's World Cup qualifying matches against San Marino and Romania whilst Rangnick remains hospitalised.
**SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY GB NEWS SPORTS NEWSLETTER HERE**
Ralf Rangnick was seen using an e-bike to get around the pitch earlier this month
|REUTERS
No definitive timeline has been established for the manager's return to his duties, with medical staff focusing on treating the infection acquired during his most recent surgical procedure.
The enforced absence disrupts Austria's preparations for crucial qualifying fixtures as they pursue qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Rangnick's prolonged recovery period means the tactical planning and team selection for these important matches will fall entirely to his coaching staff.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Rangnick assumed control of Austria's national team in 2022 after spells at prominent European clubs, including RB Leipzig, Schalke and Stuttgart.
His brief tenure at Manchester United during the 2021/22 season saw the club finish sixth with just 58 points.
The German tactician oversaw 29 matches at Old Trafford, securing 11 victories alongside eight defeats.
Ralf Rangnick is still waiting for required surgery on his ankle
|REUTERS
Although United initially intended to retain Rangnick as a consultant following his interim management role, those plans were abandoned when he accepted the Austria position.
His current objective involves guiding Austria to qualification for the 2026 World Cup, though this latest medical setback poses a significant challenge to those ambitions.