Lennart Karl is working on his comeback after his injury – in time for FC Bayern’s semi-final against PSG?
At FC Bayern, the focus is currently on Lennart Karl. The 18-year-old is one of the big winners of the season, but recently suffered a setback. A torn muscle fibre in his right rear thigh put the shooting star out of action
Nevertheless, Karl was part of the celebrations on the Allianz Arena pitch after the 4:2 win against VfB Stuttgart and the resulting championship. It was noticeable that, unlike his team-mates, the youngster deliberately held back while celebrating so as not to take any unnecessary risks
The focus is clearly on a speedy return. According to BILD, Karl already put in an extra shift at Säbener Straße on Monday, when he was off training. Under the supervision of head of rehab Benjamin Sommer, he completed an individual session – and made promising progress
Eleven days after his injury, the attacking player was able to perform exercises with the ball again for the first time. After starting running training two days earlier, he increased the workload further, dribbling around cones and completing additional running sessions at different intensities, according to the report
Bayern coach Vincent Kompany said of Karl at the press conference ahead of the cup semi-final at Bayer Leverkusen: „He has to come back healthy now, that’s the priority. Now is the phase of the season where the prizes are at stake. We won’t take many risks now. Reintegration is a bit more spontaneous. But first he has to get healthy, we won’t do anything faster than his body says. Although he’s important for us!“
Bayern need Karl in the final spurt of the season
This development gives hope that Karl could be an option again in time for the Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain. The first leg in Paris takes place on April 28
A return would be of great importance for FC Bayern. The options are currently limited, especially in attacking midfield. Serge Gnabry is out for longer, Jamal Musiala is not yet back to full fitness after his injury
Meanwhile, Tom Bischof is making progress and the youngster was able to complete a running session at Säbener Straße for the first time since suffering a small muscle fibre tear in his left calf
Karl, for his part, could play an important role – especially in the ten-man position, where he has impressed with strong performances in recent weeks
If it is not enough for the first leg in Paris, at least the second leg at the beginning of May remains a realistic goal. Coach Kompany is hoping to have as many options as possible in the final spurt of the season – and that includes the fast, creative youngster.