Austria’s main striker Marko Arnautovic will start against Ukraine in their final Group C game on Monday, coach Franco Foda said, as his team look for the win that would secure their first knockout spot in a European Championship.
Arnautovic missed their 0-2 loss to The Netherlands earlier this week after being banned for a game following his verbal attack on an opponent in their 3-1 opening win over North Macedonia.
“We decided that Marko will play from the start and to announce it today,” Foda told a news conference on Sunday.
“That means our opponents know that now and can prepare for it, but we are happy that he can play again. But we are not dependent only on Marko. He has his ability and quality, but many players have to take on responsibility.”
Both Austria and Ukraine are on three points, the Netherlands are already through with two wins, while North Macedonia have yet to open their account after losing both of their games.
The top two in each of the six groups proceed to the round of 16 along with the four best third-placed finishers.
“Against the Dutch we did well to reach the box but then in the last zone we lacked the final pass, the push. We must improve that,” Foda said.