Germany's teenage star Lennart Karl ruled out of World Cup with thigh muscle tear nine days before opener

Germany's World Cup preparations were dealt a severe blow when teenage attacking midfielder Lennart Karl was ruled out of the tournament after sustaining a muscle bundle tear in his left thigh. The injury occurred during the team's final training session in Chicago on Friday, ahead of a friendly against the United States.

The injury and diagnosis

Karl, an 18-year-old who enjoyed a breakout season with Bayern Munich, was taken to hospital after pulling up in training. Coach Julian Nagelsmann initially described the injury as unspecified but warned it "does not look good." Scans later confirmed a muscle bundle tear, ending Karl's hopes of featuring in his first World Cup. German media reported that the player was in tears on the pitch even before the diagnosis was confirmed.

I feel incredibly sorry for Lenny. With his light-heartedness, his creativity, his pace, and his personality, he fit into the team perfectly.

Reactions from club and country

Bayern Munich's sporting director Max Eberl described the news as "a shock for the whole of FC Bayern" but stressed the club's commitment to supporting Karl's recovery. Karl himself posted on Instagram, writing that he would support the team "every minute" and promising to "come back stronger." Nagelsmann noted that Karl's youth was a small consolation, given he still has many tournaments ahead of him.

Such a short-term missing of a World Cup naturally hurts extremely, and the news was a shock for the whole of FC Bayern — but it changes nothing about how much talent, passion and future are in Lenny.

Ouedraogo called up as replacement

Nagelsmann moved quickly to replace Karl, calling up RB Leipzig's 20-year-old midfielder Assan Ouedraogo. The coach praised Ouedraogo's talent and said he was expected to play "boldly and freely." Tactical analysts noted that the choice of a central midfielder rather than a like-for-like winger could signal a shift in Germany's approach, potentially reducing the role of wide players like Leroy Sané in favor of technical midfielders suited to breaking down deep-lying defenses.

Germany's World Cup context

The four-time champions are seeking redemption after shock first-round exits at the 2018 and 2022 tournaments. Germany have not won a major title since their 2014 World Cup triumph in Brazil. They are drawn in Group E alongside Curacao, Ivory Coast and Ecuador, with their opening match against Curacao scheduled for June 14 in the United States.

Karl's injury is the second blow to Germany's right flank after Serge Gnabry was ruled out with an adductor problem. The team faces the United States in a final warm-up match on Saturday before the tournament begins next week.