Germany Hit by Squad Blow as Teenager Lennart Karl Withdraws Injured, Ouédraogo Called Up
Bayern Munich's 17-year-old phenom Lennart Karl has withdrawn from Germany's World Cup squad with a training injury, with Assan Ouédraogo drafted in as his replacement.
Topline
- Lennart Karl, 17, withdrew from Germany's squad with a training injury on June 5.
- Nagelsmann said the injury 'didn't look particularly good'.
- Assan Ouédraogo was called up as Karl's replacement.
- The reshuffle disrupts Germany's final World Cup preparations.
Full Report
World Cup DeskGermany's World Cup squad has suffered an early setback after teenage forward **Lennart Karl** withdrew injured, with **Assan Ouédraogo** named as his replacement on **June 5**.
A Training-Ground Setback
Karl, the 17-year-old Bayern Munich phenom, was hurt during training on Friday. Germany manager **Julian Nagelsmann** offered a grim early assessment, saying the injury "didn't look particularly good" — a worrying verdict for one of the most exciting young talents in Nagelsmann's pool.
Ouédraogo Steps In
With Karl ruled out, Ouédraogo has been drafted into the squad, handing the young midfielder an unexpected route to a World Cup. For a Germany side blending experience with emerging talent, the reshuffle is a reminder of how fragile final preparations can be.
The Bigger Picture
Losing a player of Karl's promise on the eve of the tournament is a blow, even if his role was likely to be a developmental one. Nagelsmann will hope the disruption is contained as Germany finalise their plans ahead of the group stage.
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