Austrian footballer Guido Burgstaller hospitalised after shocking Vienna attack

Austrian footballer Guido Burgstaller hospitalised after shocking Vienna attack

New Delhi: What was supposed to be a festive evening in Vienna turned into a nightmare for Guido Burgstaller, who was violently attacked in the city center over the weekend. The 35-year-old Rapid Vienna striker suffered severe head injuries including a fractured skull as confirmed by a statement released by the club on Monday.

According to Rapid Vienna, Burgstaller was struck by an unidentified individual causing him to fall and sustain a serious head injury. The forward remains under medical observation with doctors prohibiting all physical activities including football related actions like heading the ball for an extended period. His recovery timeline is uncertain leaving the team without one of their most dependable players indefinitely.

Wir sind sprachlos und zutiefst betroffen. Guido #Burgstaller wurde in der Nacht auf Samstag Opfer eines körperlichen Angriffs.

Die ganze Rapid-Familie steht dir bei, Burgi! 💚

▶️ https://t.co/txWCLNkRCA#SCR2024 pic.twitter.com/oIMaon9pyF

— SK Rapid (@skrapid) December 16, 2024

Burgstaller has been a vital figure for Rapid Vienna since his return in 2022, providing both experience and leadership on the field. Known for spearheading the team’s attacking efforts his absence will be a significant blow to the club. Fans and teammates alike are hoping for his swift recovery as the team faces challenges without their seasoned striker.

The Austrian forward has enjoyed a decorated career having played for clubs such as St. Pauli, Schalke, Nuremberg, Cardiff City, Wiener Neustadt, Karnten, and during his earlier stint with Rapid Vienna. On the international stage, Burgstaller has made 26 appearances for the Austrian national team, showcasing his consistent contributions to the sport.

What next?

Rapid Vienna has refrained from sharing additional details about the incident to protect Burgstaller and his family’s privacy. The club expressed confidence in the authorities stating they are hopeful the unidentified perpetrator will be promptly brought to justice.

Burgstaller will likely spend several days in the hospital and is expected to remain sidelined for months. For now, the football community rallies behind him sending wishes for a speedy and full recovery.

 Guido Burgstaller suffers severe head injuries in a shocking Vienna attack, ruling him out of action for months, leaving Rapid Vienna without their key striker.  Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today