Germany’s Karl Ruled Out of World Cup Through Injury

Germany have suffered an early setback ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after teenage forward Lennart Karl was ruled out of the tournament with a muscle injury sustained in training.

The German Football Federation (DFB) confirmed the development on Friday, with RB Leipzig midfielder Assan Ouedraogo called up as Karl’s replacement.

Injury Ends Karl’s World Cup Dream

The DFB announced that the 18-year-old Bayern Munich attacker suffered a torn muscle bundle during Germany’s final training session.

“Lenny tore a muscle bundle today in the final training session and is ruled out because of this injury. Have a good recovery, we’re thinking of you,” the federation said in a post on Instagram.

Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann had earlier revealed that Karl’s injury appeared serious and confirmed the youngster had been taken to hospital for further assessment.

“It didn’t look good,” Nagelsmann told reporters in Chicago ahead of Germany’s friendly against the United States.

Karl’s absence is a significant blow for Germany after the teenager emerged as one of the breakout stars of the Bundesliga season.

The Bayern Munich forward made his top-flight debut this season and quickly became part of manager Vincent Kompany’s title-winning squad.

He also impressed on the international stage, starting Germany’s 4-0 victory over Finland on Sunday and providing an assist.

Ouedraogo Drafted In as Replacement

Following Karl’s withdrawal, Germany moved quickly to name Assan Ouedraogo as his replacement for the tournament.

The RB Leipzig midfielder joins the squad as Germany continue preparations for their World Cup campaign.

The injury comes at a crucial time for Nagelsmann’s side, which is aiming to challenge for its fifth World Cup title.

Neuer Faces Race Against Time for Opener

Nagelsmann also provided an update on veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, confirming the 40-year-old would miss Saturday’s friendly against the United States.

However, the Germany coach expressed optimism that Neuer would be fit for the team’s opening World Cup match against Curacao on June 14.

Neuer, who won the World Cup with Germany in 2014, was surprisingly recalled to the national team in May nearly two years after announcing his international retirement.

“At his age, he doesn’t need a warm-up phase. He knows how to handle high-pressure situations,” Nagelsmann said.

“He’s on his way to peak fitness. However, we don’t want to take any risks tomorrow.”

Germany will now continue their preparations without Karl as they seek a strong start to their World Cup campaign.

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A Lagos-based journalist with a passion for disseminating factual information and a deep appreciation for good music, good food, movies, and beautiful cars. He hopes to travel the world someday, documenting its beauty and diverse cultures through his storytelling.