Austria midfielder Kavlak to replace injured Alaba

VIENNA (AP) — Austria coach Marcel Koller has called up Besiktas midfielder Veli Kavlak as a replacement for David Alaba for a European Championship qualifier against Russia next week and a friendly against Brazil.

Alaba will be out for several weeks following knee surgery on Friday, two days after hurting his cruciate ligaments and meniscus in Bayern Munich's 2-0 Champions League victory over Roma.

Kavlak, who has one goal in 30 matches since his debut in 2007, hasn't played for Austria since a 1-1 draw in a friendly against Uruguay in March.

Austria plays Russia in Vienna next Saturday, and hosts Brazil at the same venue three days later.

Austria leads Russia and Sweden in Euro 2016 qualifying Group G by two points. The group also includes Montenegro, Moldova and Liechtenstein.