Borussia Dortmund stars Marcel Sabitzer and Carney Chukwuemeka have been called-up Austria's national team for this month's friendlies.
While Sabitzer is nearing a century of caps for Das Team, Chulwuemeka is all set for his international breakthrough with his first appearance.
The youngster recently switched allegiance to Austria after manager Ralf Rangnick and the Austrian football's repeated attempts at convincing him to represent their side.
Born in Eisenstadt, Austria to Nigerian parents, Chukwuemeka had represented England at various youth level and was touted to play for the Three Lions senior team too.
However, due to competition for places, he hadn't received an official call-up from Thomas Tuchel yet as the 2026 FIFA World Cup is fast approaching.
With Nigeria failing to qualify for the upcoming showpiece, Chukwuemeka opted for Austria, who sealed their first qualification at the tournament since 1998.
The side has been drawn in Group J alongside defending champions Argentina, debutants Jordan and north African giants Algeria.
Austria begin preparations for the US, Canada and Mexico showpiece with a pair of friendlies to Ghana and South Korea this month, marking their first pair of games since the qualifiers concluded in November.
Rangnick, a former Manchester United manager, has long been an admirer of Chukwuemeka's technical abilities and has expressed his delight at him - and Paul Wanner - joining up the Austrian national team.
"“We never put any pressure on them, but we made it clear at all times that we wanted them with us. I am convinced that both will be extremely helpful to Austria and the national team.""said Rangnick
A product of Aston Villa's youth side, Chukwuemeka garnered Dortmund's attention for his promising displays with Chelsea and was signed on loan in January last year.
The player's move was made permanent later in 2025 and has since continued his development under Niko Kovac's tutelage, making 31 appearances and even scoring thrice.
A midfielder by trade, Chukwuemeka can also operate as a winger. He possesses excellent passing range, is adept at winning duels and has an eye for goal too.
Given his young age, the Dortmund star has the potential to develop into a serious prospect in the years to come and Austria would be better for it.
The country has made serious progress in the last few years, having also qualified for each of the last three European championships and Chukwuemeka's arrival means their future is in safe hands.
As for Sabitzer, he's all set for his 96th and 97th appearances for Austria as the player nears landmark of 100 caps, a feat accomplished by only four players in their history.