Bayern Munich midfielder Lennart Karl has been ruled out of Germany’s World Cup squad after sustaining a muscle bundle tear in his left thigh during a training session in Chicago on Friday, June 5, 2026. The 18-year-old was undergoing tests at a local hospital before the German Football Association (DFB) confirmed his withdrawal, with RB Leipzig’s Assan Ouedraogo named as his replacement.
How did the injury occur?
The injury occurred while Karl was training with his international teammates at Soldier Field in Chicago. The squad was preparing for their final pre-tournament friendly against the United States, scheduled for Saturday, June 6. According to the DFB, the midfielder suffered a muscle bundle tear in his left thigh, an injury that forced him to leave the pitch and eventually travel back to Germany for medical treatment. Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl described the news as a “shock” for the club and noted that the injury “hurts like hell.”
What has the team management said?
Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann expressed his disappointment regarding the loss of the teenager, highlighting his impact on the squad’s chemistry. “I feel incredibly sorry for Lenny,” Nagelsmann said in an official DFB release. “With his light‑heartedness, his creativity, his pace, and his personality, he fit into the team perfectly.” The manager noted that while it is a significant blow to miss the tournament, the coaching staff remains focused on the upcoming matches. Nagelsmann also addressed the inclusion of Assan Ouedraogo, stating, “With Ouedraogo, we are now getting a player who, similar to Lenny, had a great start with us. He is also highly talented and is meant to play here boldly and freely.”
Who is the replacement player?
Assan Ouedraogo, currently playing for RB Leipzig, has been called up to fill the vacancy left by Karl. The DFB moved quickly to finalize the roster change less than two weeks before Germany’s opening game of the tournament on June 14. Ouedraogo joins the squad with a reputation for being a highly talented prospect who has previously impressed the coaching staff during his development with the national team setup.
What happens next for the squad?
With the final pre-tournament friendly against the United States concluded, the German team turns its focus toward the World Cup opener on June 14. Despite the late-stage personnel change, the objective remains unchanged. While Karl will miss the opportunity to compete this summer, Nagelsmann emphasized that the player is young and has many future tournaments ahead of him in his professional career. The team will continue its preparations in the lead-up to the tournament, aiming to integrate Ouedraogo into the tactical framework established by the coaching staff.