Nagelsmann Faces Doubt Over Teen Sensation Karl Ahead of World Cup

Germany’s World Cup preparations were jolted in Chicago as Julian Nagelsmann admitted teenage forward Mathys Karl is a major doubt for the tournament after suffering an injury in training.

The 18-year-old Bayern Munich striker, one of the breakout stars of Vincent Kompany’s Bundesliga-winning side, was hurt on the eve of Saturday’s friendly against the United States, Germany’s final warm-up game before heading to the World Cup.

“To be honest, it didn't look good. He's going to the hospital now to get a scan done,” the Germany coach said, speaking before training at Soldier Field. The nature of the injury remains undisclosed, but the tone told its own story.

Germany, who had been buoyed by Karl’s rapid rise, suddenly face a decision they did not want this close to a major tournament.

“We need to process the situation first, and so does he. We need a diagnosis in order to do that. Then we'll see whether or not we call up a replacement,” Nagelsmann explained, leaving the door open to a late squad change once the medical reports arrive.

For Karl, the timing could hardly be crueller.

The forward only made his top-flight debut this season yet forced his way into Bayern’s starting plans and became part of Kompany’s title-winning machine. That surge of form carried him straight into the national team picture, where he started his first match for Germany in Sunday’s 4-0 win over Finland in Mainz and marked the occasion with an assist.

From fairytale rise to anxious wait in a matter of days.

Neuer Held Back, World Cup Return Still on Track

While Karl’s status hangs in the balance, Nagelsmann also confirmed that Manuel Neuer will miss the friendly against the United States as he continues his push for full fitness.

The veteran goalkeeper, a 2014 World Cup winner, was recalled to the squad in May, almost two years after announcing his international retirement. His return was one of the big calls of Nagelsmann’s tenure; his absence in Chicago is a precaution, not a setback.

Nagelsmann remains confident the 38-year-old will be ready for Germany’s opening World Cup match against Curacao on June 14.

“At his age, he doesn't need a warm-up phase,” the coach said. “He knows how to handle high-pressure situations. He's on his way to peak fitness. However, we don't want to take any risks tomorrow.”

So Germany step into their final dress rehearsal without their long-time No. 1 and with a cloud over their newest attacking spark.

One legend is being carefully wrapped for the main stage. One teenager is waiting to discover if his first World Cup has been taken away before it even began.