Germany have been dealt a potential World Cup setback after teenage star Lennart Karl suffered an injury in training.
Germany’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been overshadowed by concerns over teenage sensation Lennart Karl after the Bayern Munich midfielder suffered an injury during training on Friday.
The 18-year-old attacking midfielder, who enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with Bayern Munich this season, was forced to leave the training ground and head to hospital for further assessment. His participation in the tournament is now in serious doubt.
Speaking ahead of Germany’s final World Cup warm-up match against the United States, head coach Julian Nagelsmann admitted the initial signs were worrying and that the medical team was awaiting a full diagnosis before making any decisions.
🚨 BREAKING: Lennart Karl suffered an injury in training today, announces Julian Nagelsmann.
“It doesn’t look good. He went to the hospital and will have scans. We have to wait for the diagnosis and see if he can play at the World Cup or if we have to call up a replacement”,… pic.twitter.com/cdKImWY0zT
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 5, 2026
Nagelsmann revealed that Karl would undergo scans to determine the extent of the injury, while also urging the media and supporters to give the youngster space during what could be a difficult moment in his career.
“Lenny was injured today. We have to see what it is. It does not look good,” Nagelsmann said. The Germany coach stressed that the team would only provide further updates once the medical examinations had been completed.
Karl’s inclusion in Germany’s World Cup squad had been one of the biggest surprises ahead of the tournament. The teenager earned his place after a remarkable rise at Bayern Munich, where he played a key role in the club’s domestic double-winning campaign.
Germany are determined to mount a serious challenge for the World Cup title after suffering disappointing group-stage eliminations at both the 2018 and 2022 tournaments. The four-time world champions have not lifted a major international trophy since winning the World Cup in Brazil in 2014.
Should Karl be ruled out, Nagelsmann may be forced to call up a replacement before Germany begin their Group E campaign. Germany open their tournament against Curacao on June 14 before taking on Ivory Coast and Ecuador.
