MARKO BACK FOR AUSTRIA

up with Franco Foda’s squad on Saturday afternoon.

Arnautovic – scorer of the only goal when Northern Ireland last visited Vienna in 2018 – must be assessed after his long journey, but Foda indicated he would be involved if possible.

Foda said: “We don’t have to talk about his quality. He is a big and important part of this team. As soon as he is here he will be tested and hopefully he can train tonight.”

If Arnautovic is available, Foda will have a decision to make with both Michael Gregoritsch and Adrian Grbic having been in strong form of late.

Christopher Trimmel is the only other injury doubt. for an Austrian side who will start the match top of the Group B1 standings.

With Austria having played on Wednesday, a 3-0 friendly win in Luxembourg, Foda was able to watch Northern Ireland’s match on TV.

“It was an unlucky defeat,” he said. “It was a game that Northern Ireland could have won, should have won, but I’m sure they will present themselves at their best against us because they have a good mentality. But we have the quality to beat this team.”

Meanwhile, Niall McGinn and Jordan Thompson will not travel to Vienna for tonight’s match, while George Saville has left the camp entirely.

Aberdeen winger

McGinn and Stoke midfielder Thompson are both carrying injuries from Thursday’s 2-1 Euro 2020 qualifying play-off final defeat to Slovakia.

Saville has gone home for personal reasons.

However, manager Ian Baraclough said all other players were available – including Craig Cathcart and Paddy McNair, who both hobbled off against Slovakia, and Stuart Dallas who had an elbow injury.