Germany World Cup Blow: Bayern Wonderkid Lennart Karl Ruled Out With Torn Muscle

6 Jun 2026

Germany's 18-year-old midfielder Lennart Karl will miss the 2026 World Cup after suffering a torn muscle in the team's final training session in Chicago, with the injury confirmed by an MRI scan. The German FA has called up RB Leipzig's 20-year-old Assan Ouedraogo as his replacement. It is a significant loss for a side chasing its first world title since 2014. Germany open their campaign against Curacao on June 14, and coach Julian Nagelsmann is also managing concerns over 40-year-old goalkeeper Manuel Neuer's calf.