GERMANY DEALT WORLD CUP BLOW AS KARL RULED OUT THROUGH INJURY.

Germany has suffered a major setback ahead of the World Cup after teenage
midfielder Lennart Karl was ruled out with a thigh injury.

The 18-year-old sustained a muscle tear during training in Chicago and will miss the
tournament, with Assan Ouedraogo called up as his replacement.

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann expressed his disappointment, describing Karl’s
absence as a huge shock after the youngster’s breakthrough season with Bayern
Munich.

“I feel incredibly sorry for Lenny,” Nagelsmann said. “He fit into the team perfectly
and it’s a huge blow for all of us.”

The four-time world champions begin their World Cup campaign against Curacao on
June 14, before facing Ivory Coast and Ecuador in Group E.