Germany suffer a setback before the World Cup as 18-year-old Lennart Karl is ruled out with a torn thigh muscle, suffered during training before the friendly against the United States, leaving head coach Julian Nagelsmann disappointed and forcing a late change to the squad plans.
The injury occurs during Germany’s training session on Friday, ahead of the final warm-up match against the United States, with Nagelsmann confirming in a pre-match press conference that Karl had been taken to hospital, where scans later show a torn muscle in the teenager’s thigh.
Nagelsmann explains how strongly the group react to losing the teenager, stressing Karl’s importance within the dressing room and the playing style, before underlining this feeling with a detailed
tribute, saying: "I feel incredibly sorry for Lenny, Nagelsmann said. With his carefree attitude, his flair for the game, his pace, and his personality, he was a perfect fit for the team. "
The head coach continues by describing the emotional impact of the news, emphasising that the loss affects the full squad and staff, adding: "It's a huge shock for him and all of us that he's missing the World Cup. It's only a small consolation that he's young and has many tournaments ahead of him. We would have loved to have him on the team. "
Karl later addresses supporters and teammates directly through social media, expressing frustration at the timing yet stressing loyalty to Germany’s World Cup campaign, writing: "I don't even know where to start, but it hurts indescribably to have to miss the biggest tournament. Did everything to be fit for the World Cup. Unfortunately, injuries often come at the most unfortunate moment.I wish my team maximum success and, of course, I support them every minute!"
Before the setback, Karl had been pushing for a significant role at the World Cup after earning three caps for Germany and producing a strong display in the recent friendly against Finland, where Karl set up Germany’s second goal in a convincing 4-0 victory.
With Karl unavailable, RB Leipzig midfielder Assan Ouedraogo receives a call-up to join the Germany World Cup squad, having already featured for the national team in November during a 6-0 win against Slovakia in World Cup qualifying, where Ouedraogo scored the sixth and final goal.
Nagelsmann outlines why the staff turn to Ouedraogo as replacement, drawing a clear comparison with the injured teenager and highlighting the newcomer’s potential by stating: "With Assan Ouedraogo, we're now getting a player who, like Lenny, had a fantastic start with us, Nagelsmann added of their new addition. He's also highly talented, and we expect him to play with courage and freedom. "
Germany are scheduled to face the United States in the last friendly before the World Cup, with Ouedraogo set to meet the squad before the opening group match against Curacao on June 14, as Nagelsmann adjusts tactical plans and squad roles following Karl’s enforced withdrawal.
The loss of Karl reduces Germany’s options in attack for the World Cup, yet the coaching staff rely on Ouedraogo’s form and the wider squad depth, while Karl remains engaged from distance, having publicly promised support for teammates throughout the tournament despite personal disappointment.
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