Germany have been dealt a major setback ahead of the 2026 World Cup after talented attacking midfielder Lennart Karl was ruled out of the tournament through injury.

National team coach Julian Nagelsmann confirmed that the 18-year-old is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks following medical examinations. The youngster suffered a muscle tear in his left quadriceps during a training session in Chicago while attempting a shot in preparation for Germany’s friendly against the United States.

An MRI scan later confirmed the severity of the injury, leaving the coaching staff with no choice but to remove Karl from the final World Cup squad. The news comes as a significant disappointment for one of Germany’s brightest young prospects, who had been hoping to make his mark on football’s biggest stage.

To fill the vacant roster spot, Nagelsmann has called up Assan Ouédraogo from RB Leipzig as an emergency replacement.

Following the diagnosis, Karl departed Germany’s training camp in the United States and returned home to begin rehabilitation under the supervision of the medical staff at FC Bayern München. Sporting director Max Eberl expressed the club’s full support, emphasizing that the priority is ensuring the player makes a complete recovery ahead of the new season.

La ausencia de Karl supone un duro golpe para Alemania, que pierde a uno de sus talentos emergentes justo antes del torneo. Ahora, el objetivo del joven mediapunta será centrarse en una recuperación completa para volver más fuerte y seguir consolidándose como una de las grandes esperanzas del fútbol alemán.

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