World Cup 2026 | Germany could have a sudden loss with the tournament about to begin

Germany's World Cup campaign is facing a potential setback with the injury of young forward Lennart Karl. The 18-year-old attacker sustained an injury during training, casting doubt over his participation in the tournament, which begins Thursday.

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To be honest, it didn't look good. Now he's going to the hospital for an MRI.

National team coach Julian Nagelsmann confirmed Karl's uncertain status in Chicago on Friday, ahead of the team's final preparation match against the United States. "To be honest, it didn't look good. Now he's going to the hospital for an MRI," Nagelsmann stated. He emphasized the need for a diagnosis before deciding whether to call up a replacement player. Karl, who debuted for the senior team four times and provided an assist in Germany's recent 4-0 friendly win against Finland, is a rising talent for Bayern Munich.

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First, we have to process the situation, and he too. For that, we need a diagnosis. Then we'll see if we call up a substitute or not.

In other team news, veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will not be available for the friendly against the U.S. However, Nagelsmann expressed confidence that Neuer will be fit for Germany's opening World Cup match on June 14 against Costa Rica in Group E. Neuer, a 2014 World Cup winner, was surprisingly recalled to the national team last month after a nearly two-year absence from international football. Nagelsmann noted that at his age, Neuer does not require an extensive preparation phase and is capable of handling high-pressure situations, though the team is exercising caution for the upcoming friendly.

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At his age, he doesn't need a preparation phase. He knows how to handle high-pressure situations.