Next step toward a Bayern comeback: Karl is back to training with the ball | OneFootball

While preparing for the 2026 World Cup, Lennart Karl suffered a thigh muscle injury. The shock that followed was that he would miss the World Cup. Now there’s good news from the FC Bayern dribbling wizard. 

Immediately after his injury, Karl was extremely downcast, having to bury his dream of playing in the World Cup. The national team coach at the time, Julian Nagelsmann, had definitely envisioned the young FCB player playing an important role.

But that didn’t happen. Karl left, initially recovered at home, took a vacation—all while already having a plan in place for his rehabilitation.

Karl is making great progress

Recently, the 18-year-old has been back on the field, running laps. He’s clearly in a better mood than he was right after the injury.

Photo: FC Bayern

Now comes more positive news about the youngster. Today, Tuesday, Karl was able to train more intensively and with the ball for the first time. This brings the player’s comeback ever closer.

Joining him on the field was birthday boy Serge Gnabry, who is also making great progress following his adductor injury from April. He is expected to rejoin the team for training earlier in the preseason. Bayern will start training on July 20; until then, Karl and Gnabry will continue to work individually.

Karl is on a different timeline than Gnabry anyway. The goal has always been for last season’s rising star to be at least fit enough to be part of the squad for the first competitive match.

The Super Cup against BVB on August 22 marks the start of the competitive season. There’s still more than a month to go until then, and if his rehab continues to go well, Karl should be right on schedule. With a muscle injury, however, minor setbacks in recovery can never be completely ruled out.