Bayern Munich's breakout teenage star, Lennart Karl, has been ruled out of the crucial Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid. The club confirmed on Friday that the 18-year-old forward suffered a hamstring tear, sidelining him for approximately three weeks.
This injury is a significant blow for Bayern as they prepare to defend a narrow 2-1 aggregate lead at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday. Karl, who was an unused substitute in the first-leg victory in Madrid, will also miss this weekend's Bundesliga fixture against St. Pauli.
Karl's absence robs the tie of one of European football's most exciting young talents. Earlier this season, he made history by becoming the youngest player ever to score in three consecutive Champions League matches, announcing his arrival on the biggest stage.
Since his debut, the versatile attacker has been a revelation, contributing nine goals and seven assists across all competitions. His stellar form even earned him a first senior call-up to the German national team in March, marking him as a future cornerstone for both club and country.
