Lennart Karl is working hard on his comeback after suffering a muscle tear. While the forward had recently been optimistic about a quick return, an observation during rehab training has now raised new questions. FC Bayern, however, does not want to rush anything.
While most of the Bayern squad is on the Audi Summer Tour in Asia, several injured players are working on their returns at Säbener Straße. Alongside Jamal Musiala, Alphonso Davies, Serge Gnabry, and Ismael Saibari, Lennart Karl is also continuing his individual rehab program.
Just a few days ago, the 18-year-old himself had expressed confidence. In a video on TikTok, the youngster said, “I’m working hard on my comeback and will definitely be back soon.”
Observation during training raises questions
However, a scene during Thursday’s training session caught attention and raises concerns. As reported by the tz, Karl repeatedly grabbed his back during running drills, visibly wincing as he did so.
Whether this actually indicates a new injury or a serious problem remains completely unclear at this time. It could just as easily be a normal side effect of his rehabilitation.
After a muscle tear, back pain can sometimes occur due to compensatory postures or improper muscle strain. There has been no official statement from FC Bayern regarding Karl’s condition so far.
Bayern is taking a cautious approach to his recovery
Along with Serge Gnabry, Karl initially participated in parts of the training session with Jamal Musiala, Alphonso Davies, and Ismael Saibari. Afterward, however, Karl and Gnabry split off from the group and continued working individually with head of rehabilitation Benjamin Sommer.
While Musiala, Davies, and Saibari have since been able to significantly increase their training load and can hope to return in time for the Franz Beckenbauer Super Cup on August 22, Karl and Gnabry apparently still need more time.
FC Bayern has no interest in sending the forward back onto the field too soon anyway. Karl himself had already emphasized at the end of June: “The main thing now is not to rush anything. We’re in daily contact with the doctors and athletic trainers, and we’re monitoring the muscle’s response very closely.”
The record champions are likely to maintain this cautious approach for now. It remains to be seen whether the back issues that have been observed will affect the rest of his rehabilitation. Currently, however, there are no indications that Karl has suffered a serious setback.