Overview
- Germany’s 18-year-old Bayern forward suffered a muscle-bundle tear in his left thigh in the final training session, a setback Nagelsmann confirmed late Saturday that will rule Karl out for roughly four to six weeks.
- Nagelsmann immediately called up 20-year-old Assan Ouédraogo from RB Leipzig, citing Ouédraogo’s recent match rhythm and positive integration with the squad as the reason he was chosen over other public candidates.
- The day after Karl’s injury Germany beat the USA 2-1 in Chicago, with Kai Havertz scoring within about 100 seconds and Leroy Sané converting the decisive goal while Oliver Baumann started because Manuel Neuer remained not fully match-fit.
- The squad and officials reacted emotionally: DFB president Bernd Neuendorf reported tearful farewells, Karl posted that missing the World Cup “hurts indescribably,” and FC Bayern pledged full support for his rehab.
- The loss forces tactical adjustments on the right wing but underlines Germany’s depth; the coaching staff must now manage player fitness and form, with Neuer’s readiness and the right‑wing starter role the main items to watch before the first group game.