German prodigy Lennart Karl may withdraw from the 2026 World Cup in North America (June 11-July 19) after injuring himself in training in Chicago, coach Julian Nagelsmann announced on Friday.

Speaking on the eve of the friendly against the United States, Germany's final preparation match, Nagelsmann confirmed that the 18-year-old was doubtful for the global tournament.

"To be honest, it doesn't look good. He's going to the hospital right away for a scan," he said, without revealing the nature of his injury. "We first need to assess the situation, and so does he. We need a diagnosis for that. Then we'll see whether or not we need to call in a replacement."

Karl, the revelation of the season with Bayern Munich, quickly established himself as an integral part of the German champion team, to the point of catching the eye of the Mannschaft coach.

He was given a starting position in the friendly match against Finland (4-0) on Sunday in Mainz where he distinguished himself with an assist.

Nagelsmann also confirmed that veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, 40, who was recalled from international retirement last May, would not be fit against the United States but hoped for his return for Germany's opening match in this World Cup against Curaçao on June 14 in Houston.

"At his age, he doesn't need a preparation phase," he said. "He knows how to handle high-pressure situations and is on the way to his peak form. However, we don't want to take any risks tomorrow."