Overview
- Late on Friday, Karl suffered a confirmed muscle‑bundle tear in his left thigh during Germany’s Chicago camp, was taken to hospital and has been officially withdrawn from the squad by the DFB.
- Coach Julian Nagelsmann named 20‑year‑old Assan Ouédraogo of RB Leipzig as Karl’s replacement to fill the 26‑man roster spot vacated by the injury.
- Multiple reports say the injury may have occurred after the formal session while Karl was taking extra finishing practice, though the medical diagnosis and squad change were announced by DFB channels.
- Team members and officials described an emotional farewell for Karl, who posted on Instagram that missing the World Cup 'hurts indescribably,' and FC Bayern and the DFB have pledged support for his recovery.
- Karl’s absence removes a planned offensive option for Nagelsmann and will force tactical adjustments in the coming days, with attention now on the lineup for the friendly against the USA and Germany’s opening group match.