Lennart Karl will miss the World Cup due to a muscle tear

Germany have suffered a major setback just days before the World Cup, with young midfielder Lennart Karl expected to miss the tournament after sustaining a muscle tear in training. Julian Nagelsmann confirmed the injury during a press conference, admitting the early signs “didn’t look good” as the Bayern Munich talent was sent to hospital for tests. Hours later, Bild reported that an MRI had ruled him out, while RB Leipzig announced that Assan Ouédraogo had been called up as his replacement even before an official statement from the national team.

Karl, only eighteen, is coming off a breakout season with Bayern, recording thirty‑nine appearances, nine goals and seven assists to earn his first World Cup call‑up. Losing such a dynamic prospect is a significant blow for Germany, whose final medical checks will determine whether Karl can play any role at all. For now, his World Cup dream appears effectively over.