Julian Nagelsmann Announces Lennart Karl Injury News Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Julian Nagelsmann has delivered a worrying update on Lennart Karl just as excitement was building around his possible FIFA World Cup debut. The Germany national team youngster is widely seen as one of the most exciting talents in soccer, and many fans were hoping to see him get his first taste of the tournament this summer.
But Nagelsmann's latest comments suggest Karl's injury situation could complicate those plans. With Germany preparing for a major World Cup run, the teenager's fitness has now become one of the storylines to watch.
In his latest press conference, Nagelsmann spoke on Karl's injury saying, "It doesn't look good. He went to the hospital and will have scans. We have to wait for the diagnosis and see if he can play at the World Cup or if we have to call up a replacement."
BREAKING: Lennart Karl suffered an injury in training today, announces Julian Nagelsmann.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 5, 2026
"It doesn't look good. He went to the hospital and will have scans. We have to wait for the diagnosis and see if he can play at the World Cup or if we have to call up a replacement",… pic.twitter.com/cdKImWY0zT
Karl's injury happened during Germany's training session in Chicago, just before their final warm-up game against the United States, and it has left the squad waiting for clarity.
Nagelsmann confirmed that the Bayern Munich youngster had been taken for scans, but he did not sound especially relaxed about what he had seen on the pitch.
The Germany manager was careful not to jump to conclusions, though. He stressed that the team needs a proper diagnosis before making any call on Karl's tournament status.
"We're heading to the hospital now to get some scans done," he added. "He first needs some time to process the situation himself, and so do we, before we decide what to do next."
That means Germany are now stuck in a waiting game. If the scans bring good news, Karl could still stay with the squad and continue preparing for the World Cup. If not, Nagelsmann may have to move quickly and call up a replacement.
For Karl, it is a harsh setback at the worst possible time. For Germany, it is an unwanted injury scare just as their World Cup preparations were reaching the final stage.
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This story was originally published June 5, 2026 at 1:26 PM.