Germany Starlet Karl Injured, Could Miss World Cup, Coach Nagelsmann Says

Germany’s teenage forward Lennart Karl may be sidelined for the World Cup after sustaining an injury during training, coach Julian Nagelsmann said on Friday.

Speaking in Chicago before the team’s final warm‑up match against the United States, Nagelsmann confirmed that the 18‑year‑old was doubtful for the tournament following the injury.

“To be honest, it didn’t look good. He’s going to the hospital now to get a scan done,” Nagelsmann told reporters. “We need to process the situation first, and so does he. We need a diagnosis in order to do that. Then we’ll see whether or not we call up a replacement.”

The coach did not disclose the specific nature of Karl’s injury.

The Bayern Munich striker made his Bundesliga debut earlier this season and quickly became a regular in Vincent Kompany’s title‑winning side.

Karl earned his first cap for Germany in Sunday’s 4‑0 victory over Finland in Mainz, where he provided an assist.

Nagelsmann also noted that veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer would not be fit in time for the friendly against the United States, but expressed hope that he would recover for Germany’s opening World Cup match against Curaçao on June 14.

Neuer, a 2014 World Cup winner, was unexpectedly recalled for the tournament in May, almost two years after announcing his international retirement.

“At his age, he doesn’t need a warm‑up phase,” Nagelsmann said of Neuer. “He knows how to handle high‑pressure situations. He’s on his way to peak fitness. However, we don’t want to take any risks tomorrow.”

The article “Injured Germany starlet Karl may miss World Cup, says Nagelsmann” first appeared on Vanguard News.