News Focus
- Lennart Karl suffers serious muscle tear during Germany national team training session
- Antonio Rüdiger provides emotional support as 18-year-old leaves pitch in tears
- Julian Nagelsmann confirms teenager had almost secured World Cup starting place
- Squad holds moving farewell before Karl returns to Munich for rehabilitation
Germany winger Lennart Karl broke down in tears on the training pitch after suffering a severe injury that will keep him out for several weeks. The 18-year-old realised immediately that the problem was serious when he went down during a small-group session with the national team.
Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger walked with the young player to the dressing room. The experienced centre-back stayed with Karl during those difficult moments, offering comfort as the teenager came to terms with the setback.
Medical staff took Karl to hospital straight after the incident. Doctors there confirmed he had torn a muscle bundle. The injury ends any hope he had of playing in the upcoming World Cup.
Later that evening, the whole squad came together to say goodbye to the youngster. Head coach Julian Nagelsmann spoke to the group about how painful this setback was for Karl. He pointed out that the youngster had almost certainly earned a spot in the starting eleven for the tournament.
Nagelsmann then spoke directly to Karl. He told the player to stay positive because of his age. The coach said Karl will get many more chances to play at World Cups in the future.
Karl tried to thank his team-mates but could not speak through his emotion. The room went quiet several times during the farewell. Staff then drove him to the airport so he could fly back to Munich and begin his rehabilitation programme.