Karl Injury Casts Shadow Over Germany's World Cup Opener
Germany midfielder Lennart Karl, 18, faces an uncertain World Cup after sustaining an injury in training on Friday that required a hospital visit for diagnostic scans. Head coach Julian Nagelsmann said the situation "didn't look so good" and confirmed the squad would await a full medical assessment before deciding whether a replacement call-up is necessary.
"Unfortunately Lenni injured himself today in training. We need to wait on what happens with that and to be honest, it didn't look so good," Nagelsmann said on Friday, speaking ahead of Germany's final pre-tournament fixture against the United States on Saturday. "He needs to process the situation, we do too, and we'll see what we do. We need a diagnosis for that and then we'll inform you. Then we'll see if we can hopefully keep going with him for the tournament or if I need to nominate a replacement."
Karl has emerged as one of the more prominent young players at this World Cup after a breakout season with Bayern Munich, where he became the club's youngest-ever scorer in the UEFA Champions League. He made his senior international debut in March and has featured in three matches for Germany, starting in last week's 4-0 victory over Finland.
FIFA World Cup regulations permit Nagelsmann to call up a replacement in the event of "serious injury or illness," with the deadline set at 24 hours before the kickoff of Germany's opening group match against debutants Curacao on June 14. Separately, Nagelsmann confirmed that 40-year-old goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will not be risked against the United States on Saturday due to a calf injury sustained at Bayern Munich last month. Neuer, who retired from international duty after Euro 2024 before accepting a recall, has not played for Germany in nearly two years. Oliver Baumann, who served as first choice during Neuer's absence and started against Finland, is expected to continue between the posts.
```
