Lennart Karl
FCB
RW (AM)
Shadow Striker
Feb 22, 2008 (18)
Left
5'6"
148 lb
BayernResumes ball work
Karl (thigh) completed his first session working with the ball on Tuesday, the club posted.
Analysis: Karl had only returned to running training last week as he continues his recovery from a muscle bundle tear in his left thigh, an injury sustained ahead of the World Cup that forced him to withdraw from Germany's squad. This session marks further progress in his individualized program, though he remains a step behind Serge Gnabry, who has been working individually since late June. Bayern continue to take a cautious approach with the 18-year-old, who is not yet ready to rejoin full team training. Karl is expected to continue building toward a preseason return under coach Vincent Kompany.
Resumes running program
Karl (thigh) returned to individual running training with Bayern Munich on Wednesday as he continues his recovery from a muscle bundle tear in his left thigh, the club announced.
Analysis: Karl has been sidelined for the past month after suffering the injury during preparations for the World Cup, a setback that ultimately forced him to withdraw from Germany's squad for the tournament. The 18-year-old's return to the training pitch marks an important step in his rehabilitation, although he is expected to continue following an individualized recovery program in the coming weeks. Bayern remain cautious with the highly rated youngster, who is not yet ready to rejoin full team training but is targeting a return during preseason under manager Vincent Kompany.
Ruled out of World Cup
Karl (thigh) has suffered a muscle bundle tear in his left front thigh during training in Chicago and has been ruled out of the World Cup, coach Julian Nagelsmann confirmed, according to Ben Jacobs of GiveMeSport. "I feel incredibly sorry for Lenny. With his light-heartedness, his creativity, his pace, and his personality, he fit into the team perfectly. It is a huge shock for him and for all of us that he will miss the World Cup. It is only a small consolation that he is young and still has many tournaments ahead of him. We would have loved to have him in the team."
Analysis: Karl's injury is a devastating blow for the young winger, who had been one of the standout performers of Germany's pre-tournament preparations and had nailed down a prominent role in coach Nagelsmann's plans. Assan Ouedraogo, described by the coach as similarly talented and expected to play boldly and freely, takes his place in what is an unfortunate but necessary change to the squad heading into Germany's World Cup opener against Curacao.
Suffers injury in training
Karl suffered an injury in training Friday and his participation in the World Cup could be in doubt, according to head coach Julien Nagelsmann, per Kerry Hau of SkySport. "It doesn't look good. A World Cup withdrawal is not ruled out!"
Analysis: Karl could be removed from Germany's World Cup roster based on these comments, meaning his chances of starting the opener are all but gone. With Serge Gnabry already out injured, Leroy Sane is next man up for a possible role on the wing. A decision will be made on Karl's status after an MRI. Assuming he'll have to miss multiple matches, in addition to Sane, it could mean more run for players like Maximilian Beier or Jamie Leweling, as well.
Making World Cup debut
Karl is debuting for Germany at the World Cup and could be faced with starting time throughout the tournament.
Analysis: Karl is heading out to North America with Germany as he comes onto the world stage for the first time with the historic German first team. He earned his call-up after proving to be solid with Bayern Munich this campaign, recording five goals and five assists in 26 appearances (16 starts) in his debut season with the club. That has now led him to contend for starting time within the German team, competing with Leroy Sane for time on the flank. With his role a bit in the air, Karl's path for the World Cup isn't clear, as they are unlikely to rely too much on the young attacker at his first World Cup. However, he could still find himself in great spots, especially against a weaker group, potentially leading to a great breakout on the World Stage for the German.
Finishes season with assist
Karl had an assist while taking two off target shot, crossing four times (one accurate) and creating two chances during Saturday's 5-1 win over Koln.
Analysis: Karl set up Tom Bischof in the 22nd minute assisting Bayern's third goal while tying for the team-high in crosses. The 18-year old caps off his first Bundesliga campaign with 10 goal invovlements, 42 shots and 23 chances created over 26 league appearances.
Bench option
Karl (hamstring) is on the bench for Wednesday's match against PSG.
Analysis: Karl was already deemed fit ahead of Wednesday's match, and that earns him a role on the bench. He was on a solid run of play before the injury and will look to earn some time, although they may be cautious to use such a young player coming off an injury in a major match. If he is to appear, expect him to come off the bench in place of an attacking midfielder, possibly replacing Jamal Musiala if he is run into the ground.
Fit for return
Karl (hamstring) is an option for Wednesday's match against PSG, according to manager Vincent Kompany. "The first good news is that everyone except Serge is fit and available."
Analysis: Karl has been in team training this week, and that is enough for the attacker to return after missing the last month of action. This is good news for the young attacker as he will hope for a moment to shine in UCL play, although it will probably have to come from the bench. He is likely to start on the bench as Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala and Luis Diaz see the start in the attacking portion of the midfield, but his return does give the club a dangerous weapon from the bench.
Back in team training
Karl (hamstring) returned to full team training Monday and is targeting a bench role for Wednesday's Champions League semifinal second leg against PSG, with positive signals emerging from training sessions, the club posted.
Analysis: Karl had been sidelined for three weeks with a muscle fiber tear in his thigh and was eased back into the group ahead of the Heidenheim fixture before fully rejoining the squad at the start of the new week. The young attacking midfielder is expected to be available as a substitute option against PSG if his progression continues without any setbacks, with a larger role potentially on the cards for the subsequent Bundesliga clash at Wolfsburg if he gets minutes in the European fixture. Bayern will manage his return carefully given his age and the nature of the injury.
Not available yet
Karl (hamstring) will not feature in Saturday's clash against Heidenheim but could be an option for Wednesday's Champions League semifinal second leg against PSG, according to coach Vincent Kompany. "Lennart will not yet be involved tomorrow. Maybe then against Paris. But we're remaining cautious with his situation."
Analysis: Karl had been targeting a return for the first leg against PSG before missing the final training session ahead of that fixture, and his absence against Heidenheim is another frustrating setback in his recovery from a hamstring muscle fiber tear. The young playmaker is a key alternative option at number 10 for Bayern and coach Vincent Kompany clearly wants him available for the European stage, though the cautious approach signals the club will not push him back before he is genuinely ready. Wednesday's second leg at the Allianz Arena represents the next realistic target for his return.
Remains out against PSG
Karl (hamstring) was not included in the squad for Tuesday's Champions League semifinal first leg against PSG after missing Monday's final training session, according to the club.
Analysis: Karl completed individual running work alongside Tom Bischof on Monday morning as part of his ongoing rehabilitation program, but he remains short of the level required to be considered for the matchday squad. The youngster had been targeting a return for the PSG fixture, making his absence a disappointing setback after showing encouraging progress in recent days. Coach Vincent Kompany will need to find alternatives in the attacking midfield role, with the double header against PSG representing one of the most important periods of Bayern Munich's season. His return timeline remains unclear, though the next opportunity to feature would come Saturday against Heidenheim.
Aiming return against PSG
Karl (hamstring) completed his first ball work session Monday, just 11 days after suffering the muscle fiber tear, and is targeting a return for next Tuesday's Champions League semifinal first leg against PSG, according to BILD.
Analysis: Karl was put through a 30-minute individual session with the ball at Sabener Strasse on Bayern's rest day, dribbling through mini cones and completing runs at various speeds alongside stabilization exercises, with his rehabilitation progress raising hopes of a return to the squad within eight days. The youngster is a crucial backup option at the number 10 position for manager Vincent Kompany, particularly with Serge Gnabry (adductor) now sidelined for approximately three months and Jamal Musiala still not at full capacity following his return from an ankle surgery. Getting Karl back for the PSG double header would give Bayern a vital alternative to Raphael Guerreiro in the playmaker role as they push for a historic European final.
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