Germany’s Karl ruled out of World Cup with muscle tear

Lennart Karl leaves training after suffering a muscle injury in Chicago.

Germany midfielder Lennart Karl has been ruled out of the World Cup after suffering a muscle tear in training in Chicago, coach Julian Nagelsmann said on Friday.

The 18-year-old tore a muscle bundle in his left thigh during the final training session before Germany’s friendly against the United States and was taken to hospital for assessment. Karl will be replaced in the squad by Assan Ouedraogo.

Nagelsmann said the injury was a major setback for the youngster and for the squad, which had included Karl after his rapid rise at Bayern Munich. The coach had earlier said the problem did not look good and that a decision would follow once scans were completed.

Karl had been one of the surprise inclusions in Germany’s setup after a strong domestic season, and his absence removes another attacking option before the team’s opening World Cup fixtures. The injury happened just before Germany’s final warm-up match, leaving the side to adjust its plans quickly.

The federation confirmed the change after the diagnosis, ending Karl’s chance of making his first World Cup appearance. Nagelsmann said the focus now is on recovery for the teenager, who will miss the tournament entirely