Ex-Premier League striker suffers potential World Cup injury blow after scoring Germany double

Germany forward Deniz Undav’s hope of playing at the World Cup this summer may have taken a very late hit.

The ex-Brighton star was substituted just after the hour mark in his nation’s pre-tournament friendly against Finland.

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Undav had scored two goals and assisted one as the Germans stormed into a 3-0 lead in Mainz, before going on to win 4-0.

However, his joy turned to despair moments after his second strike, as he lay down on the pitch off the ball.

He was then treated by the medical team before grasping his hamstring and walking straight down the tunnel.

It raised a major concern for manager Julian Nagelsmann, with less than two weeks to go until the World Cup begins.

Undav had impressed before his injury, having been handed a starting spot against Finland over his fellow attackers.

He led the line ahead of Newcastle’s Nick Woltemade and Borussia Dortmund’s Maximilian Beier, who replaced him after 61 minutes.

Nagelsmann may have been planning to start the 29-year-old at the tournament against Curacao in their first game.

But depending on whether he has picked up a hamstring injury or not, he may end up having to sit out.

Undav currently plays his club football for VFB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga, where he scored 19 goals in 29 games this season.

He joined the club from Brighton in 2024 following a spell in England that saw him net 22 Premier League goals for the Seagulls.

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‘I felt a bit of pain’

Undav will hope that his injury fears are not realised ahead of the World Cup after going off injured on Sunday night.

And speaking post-match, he appeared confident his issue wasn’t going to rule him out, despite the concerning moments.

He said: “I felt a bit of pain, but it’s nothing serious. A few days of treatment and it should be fine.”

Undav may not miss out, but if he does, he would follow another former Premier League star in Billy Gilmour out of World Cup contention.

The Scottish midfielder suffered an injury during his nation’s pre-tournament friendly too, and it has ruled him out.

Son of Manchester United icon Darren Fletcher, Tyler, has been called up in his place and will travel to the USA.