German gem misses WC through injury, Burkinabe-descended youngster called up as replacement
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Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 06.06.26. | 09:53
Bayern Munich forward Lennart Karl suffered a serious muscle injury in Germany's training session yesterday, with Assan Ouedraogo already on his way to replace him in the squad
What a tragedy for Lennart Karl!
The Bayern Munich youngster shone last season and earned a call-up from Julian Nagelsmann for Germany's World Cup squad, despite previously making only three appearances for the national team.
Nevertheless, during a training session yesterday in Chicago, the 18-year-old picked up a severe injury, sustaining a muscle bundle tear. Initial reports from the Die Mannschaft camp suggested Karl's participation was in doubt, but shortly after, the harsh truth was revealed - he'll miss the World Cup.
"I feel incredibly sorry for Lenny (Karl). With his light-heartedness, his creativity, his pace, and his personality, he fit into the team perfectly."
"It is a huge shock for him and for all of us that he will miss the World Cup. It is only a small consolation that he is young and still has many tournaments ahead of him. We would have loved to have him in the team," Nagelsmann said in the DFB (German Football Association) release via The Athletic.
Despite feeling incredibly sorry for the youngster, the Germany boss had to act quickly and find a replacement. A few hours later, it was confirmed that RB Leipzig jewel Assan Ouedraogo would join the Die Mannschaft camp in place of Karl.
Assan Ouedraogo will replace Lennart Karl in Germany's World Cup squad after Karl suffered an injury during a training session 🇩🇪😭 via, @plettigoal
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) June 5, 2026
Absolutely heartbroken for Lennart 💔 pic.twitter.com/TuX4Akz45b
“With Ouedraogo, we are now getting a player who, similar to Lenny, had a great start with us. He is also highly talented and is meant to play here boldly and freely,” Nagelsmann stated.
Interestingly, the 20-year-old has clocked only 13 minutes for the national team so far, yet has already opened his international account - in a 6-0 win over Slovakia in the World Cup qualifiers.
Born in Germany, Ouedraogo is of Burkinabe descent and comes from a footballing family, as his father, Alassane Ouedraogo, represented Burkina Faso at the international level.