Germany worry over Lennart Karl injury days before 2026 World Cup — who could replace him?

Germany have been hit by a potential late blow to their 2026 World Cup hopes after Bayern Munich teenager Lennart Karl picked up an injury in training with the national team, manager Julian Nagelsmann confirmed on June 5. The 18-year-old was taken to hospital for scans and Nagelsmann warned "it doesn't look good," leaving his availability for the tournament uncertain with just six days to go until Germany's opening match.

Why it matters

Karl has been one of Germany's most talked-about breakout talents this season after breaking into the Bayern Munich first team. Losing him would remove a creative, attacking option from a squad that sees the teenager as part of the next generation aiming to end Germany's 12-year wait for a World Cup title. With the scans pending, the German staff may need to decide quickly whether to call up a replacement before the tournament squad is finalised.

What Nagelsmann said and the immediate situation

Nagelsmann described the situation as worrying, confirming Karl went to hospital for ‘‘comprehensive scans’’ and that the coaching staff must wait for a final diagnosis to determine if Karl can remain in the squad or if a replacement will be summoned. The manager did not provide a specific medical diagnosis in the statement quoted by the source.

Potential replacement options being discussed

German media and analysts — as reported by the source — have highlighted three domestic options who could be considered if Karl is ruled out: Karim Adeyemi, Kevin Schade and Said El Mala. The source lists recent club-season statistics for each as context for why they are in the conversation.

• Karim Adeyemi (Borussia Dortmund): Reported to have 10 goals and 6 assists in 39 matches this season; has prior senior international experience with 11 caps and was part of Germany's 2022 World Cup squad.
• Kevin Schade (Brentford): Reportedly recorded 8 goals and 4 assists in 35 appearances in the Premier League this season; noted for pace and directness.
• Said El Mala (1. FC Köln): Described as a stylistic match for Karl, with reported totals of 13 goals and 5 assists in 36 matches this season.

Context: Karl's season and his role

According to the source, Karl made a breakthrough at Bayern Munich this season, registering 9 goals and 8 assists across 40 appearances and emerging as one of the Bundesliga's standout young players. That form explains why Germany had selected him for the World Cup squad and why his possible absence is felt so keenly.

Key points

• Lennart Karl injured in Germany training and went to hospital for scans (Nagelsmann comment).
• Scans pending; availability for the 2026 World Cup remains uncertain.
• Media and analysts have named Karim Adeyemi, Kevin Schade and Said El Mala as possible replacements.
• Karl's club-season numbers were reported as 9 goals and 8 assists in 40 games for Bayern Munich.

What happens next

Germany must await the results of Karl's scans before making any official squad change. The source does not state whether an official standby list has been published by the German Football Association, nor whether any of the named players are formally on a reserve list. Expect an official medical update from the national team and, if necessary, a formal call-up announcement in the coming days.

What it means

If Karl is ruled out, Germany would lose a young creative attacking option who contributed strongly for Bayern this season, forcing Nagelsmann to choose between experience, pace or a stylistic like-for-like replacement. Any change could alter tactical plans for the opening match and the wider tournament preparation, but the final impact depends entirely on the medical outcome and any official squad decision.