Germany Calls Up Assan Ouédraogo to Replace Injured Lennart Karl in World Cup Squad
Nagelsmann said Ouédraogo’s recent match fitness made him a ready option rather than a direct like‑for‑like attacker.
Overview
- Germany named RB Leipzig midfielder Assan Ouédraogo to the World Cup squad after Bayern forward Lennart Karl was ruled out by injury, a decision reported on Friday and confirmed by outlets through Saturday.
- Nagelsmann explained he chose Ouédraogo because the 20‑year‑old played into late May on Leipzig’s post‑season tour and is in match rhythm while some attacking alternatives had not trained recently.
- Ouédraogo, who scored on his Germany debut in November 2025, said he got the call while on holiday in Spain and will travel to join the squad in Chicago.
- The selection has drawn immediate scrutiny from fans and pundits who argue Ouédraogo is not a direct replacement for Karl and that the move reduces Germany’s specialist attacking options on the bench.
- Beyond the personal milestone for Ouédraogo, the choice shifts Germany’s squad balance by prioritizing current fitness over strict positional cover and may increase reliance on other forwards such as Sané and Leweling during the tournament.