Ralf Rangnick reportedly requires further treatment in hospital after contracting a germ following multiple surgeries.
The Austria manager initially had a routine operation on his right ankle for wear and tear in June, before being rushed in for another surgery in July after suffering complications.
German outlet Bild claims that he went under the knife again last week in Murnau, Bavaria, and that he is still in hospital after picking up the germ.
He still requires further treatment by an ankle specialist, Johannes Gabel, who has worked with some of Germany’s top stars including Manuel Neuer and Jamal Musiala.
Rangnick, 67, has pulled out of his Austria squad announcement on September 29 but it is assumed that he will be in place on the touchline for their World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Romani in October.
The former Manchester United interim boss scooted around the pitch on a bike at Austria’s recent game against Bosnia and Herzegovina due to his difficulty walking.
He first arrived on two wheels to conduct a pre-match interview with Austrian broadcaster ORF, before cycling again at half-time on his way to the dressing room.
Having opted to ride instead of hobbling, he joked afterwards: ‘The walk would have been a bit far otherwise.’
In July, the German was forced back into hospital when an initial operation became infected, requiring further treatment and a period of careful rehabilitation.
He later offered reassurance by insisting he was ‘taking small steps’ and that his recovery was progressing, although he continues to limit strain on the ankle.
Rangnick has led Austria since 2022, guiding them to the last-16 at Euro 2024 after topping a group containing France, the Netherlands and Poland.
His unusual entrance by bike came ahead of another crucial clash, with Austria chasing a first World Cup appearance since 1998 and momentum already building behind the team.
His side delivered, with Marcel Sabitzer and Konrad Laimer on target in a 2-1 victory, while Edin Dzeko briefly equalised for Bosnia.
Rangnick has 21 wins in 37 games with Austria, having also managed Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig, Schalke, Stuttgart and Hannover, and he turned down Bayern Munich in 2024.
