ARLINGTON, Texas — Austria defender Stefan Posch is available to play against defending champion Argentina despite breaking his jaw in Austria's opening World Cup win.
Ralf Rangnick said Posch took part in full training on the day before the match and is in contention for the game. The Austria coach said the defender is ready like the rest of the squad, with a decision still to be made on whether he starts or is used during the match.
Posch had to travel to Los Angeles twice to be fitted for a protective jaw brace. The injury did not require surgery, keeping open a return that had initially appeared unlikely after the collision.
The 29-year-old Mainz defender was hurt when he collided with a Jordanian player during Austria's 3-1 win in its Group J opener in Santa Clara, California.
That result gave Austria its first win in the international tournament in 36 years, adding weight to Posch's availability as the team prepares for a much different test against Argentina.
The early concern was that Posch could miss the rest of the World Cup. Instead, Austria will have him as an option for the Argentina match, with the protective brace allowing him to continue if Rangnick chooses to use him.