World Cup injury blow for Germany as Lennart Karl ruled out | OneFootball

Germany have suffered a major blow ahead of the World Cup, with highly-rated youngster Lennart Karl ruled out of the tournament after sustaining a torn muscle bundle in training.

The 18-year-old forward picked up the injury during Germany’s final training session ahead of their warm-up match against the United States. Karl immediately appeared to realise the severity of the problem, leaving the pitch in tears as teammates and staff rushed to his side.

Head coach Julian Nagelsmann admitted after the session that the early signs were worrying, revealing that the player had been taken to hospital for further assessment. While he initially refused to rule Karl out completely, subsequent examinations reportedly confirmed a torn muscle bundle, an injury that is expected to keep the teenager sidelined for several weeks.

The emotional impact of the setback was felt throughout the Germany camp. According to reports, Antonio Rudiger accompanied Karl back to the dressing room, while the squad later gathered to say their farewells before he returned to Munich to begin rehabilitation.

Germany now face an anxious wait as they consider whether to call up a replacement before opening their Group E campaign against Curaçao, Ecuador and Ivory Coast.