World Cup 2026: Germany immediately loses a jewel

Something has struck Germany just days before the start of the World Cup: Bayern Munich star Lennart Karl has been injured in training and will be forced to miss the World Cup, which is about to kick off in Canada, Mexico and the United States. The 18-year-old Karl, last season’s Bundesliga revelation, suffered a physical problem while training with his national teammates at the retreat in Illinois.

Technical commissioner Julian Nagelsmann gave the player little hope: “Unfortunately, Lenni was injured today in training. We will have to wait and see how the situation develops. Actually, it didn’t look good. But I ask for some patience: we are now heading to the hospital to have some tests.”

“Before we decide what to do, he and we need some time to process the situation. That’s why we need a diagnosis. Once we have it, we will update you and then we will see if, hopefully, he can continue to play with us in the tournament or if we have to call a replacement. But we will proceed one step at a time.”

In the meantime, the German media are pondering on the possible replacement for the unfortunate player: among the favorites would be Assan Ouedraogo of Leipzig, a 20-year-old who grew up footballingly in Schalke 04 and is already in the sights of several clubs in Italy as well. Another hot name is that of Said El Mala, another youngster who made a name for himself with Cologne last season and could soon end up in the Premier League.

Karl had already had to deal with physical troubles during the season: in April Bayern Munich had officially announced that the player was struggling with a muscle injury to his right hamstring, which had forced him to miss even the return leg of the Champions League quarterfinals against Real Madrid. A sign that his physical condition was already being tested even before the rainbow appointment.