Germany lose Karlitzek for the rest of EuroVolley as France showdown looms

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Germany have suffered a significant setback at CEV Enel EuroVolley 2026, with experienced outside hitter Moritz Karlitzek ruled out for the remainder of the tournament because of a thigh injury.

The German Volleyball Federation confirmed that he has already returned home to Germany, where he will undergo further medical examinations. His place in the roster will be taken by Lenny Graven, a 22-year-old libero who was part of Germany’s wider squad during the 2026 season.
The timing is particularly unfortunate for Massimo Botti’s team: Germany have won all four of their matches in Pool D in Cluj-Napoca and have already secured a place in the knockout stage.
Their campaign began with a 3–1 comeback against Türkiye, followed by a straight-sets victory over Latvia, a dramatic 3–2 win against hosts Romania and, most recently, a 3–1 success against Switzerland.

Karlitzek had been part of the starting roster from the beginning of the European Championship. The 29-year-old outside hitter, who plays his club volleyball in Poland with Indykpol AZS Olsztyn, has been a regular presence in the German national team for several years and has also represented Germany at previous editions of the European Championship.
His absence leaves Germany without one of its experienced options on the wing at the most important stage of the tournament. The team, however, has already shown considerable depth in Cluj, with Tobias Brand emerging as one of its most productive attackers and Erik Röhrs also making a strong contribution. Against Switzerland, Brand led all scorers with 25 points, while Röhrs added 17 as Germany secured its fourth consecutive victory.

The German side now faces perhaps its biggest test of the pool stage. On Tuesday evening, Botti’s team will meet Olympic champions France with first place in Pool D at stake. Germany currently lead the group unbeaten, while France are the other major force in Cluj and have also already secured their place in the knockout phase.
For Graven, the call-up represents an unexpected return to the European Championship squad. He had been part of Germany’s wider preparation group and featured during the 2026 VNL, but was initially left out of the final 14-player EuroVolley roster.
Now, with Karlitzek unable to continue, he will rejoin the team in Romania before the Germans head to Bulgaria for the knockout stage.

Germany’s perfect record remains intact. But from this point on, the challenge changes: after four wins in four matches, Botti must now find a way forward without one of his most experienced outside hitters.

And with France waiting next, there is no time for Germany to slow down.

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