FC Bayern has some positive news on the offensive front ahead of its Bundesliga opener against VfB Stuttgart. Lennart Karl is back from injury and is available to Vincent Kompany as another option. The 18-year-old could therefore play a role right from the start of the season.
Vincent Kompany confirmed at the press conference ahead of the Bundesliga opener against VfB Stuttgart that Lennart Karl is back in the squad. However, it remains to be seen how much playing time he will get against Stuttgart.
“Lennart Karl is back; we’ll have to wait and see just how big a role he can play,” Kompany explained. The youngster suffered a torn muscle bundle shortly before the World Cup and consequently missed the tournament. In recent weeks, the attacking player has been working on his comeback at Säbener Straße.
Just ahead of the Bundesliga opener against VfB Stuttgart, Karl is now fit again and provides another option for Bayern coach Kompany.
The Belgian is likely to take a cautious approach with the 18-year-old, however. After an injury, Karl is to be gradually brought back to full workload. A longer appearance against VfB is therefore unlikely.
Saibari is also making progress
In addition to Karl, there is also good news regarding Ismael Saibari. The new signing came off the bench in the Franz Beckenbauer Super Cup against BVB and made his competitive debut for FC Bayern. Against Stuttgart, the Moroccan could play an even more important role.
“Ismael Saibari is making great strides,” Kompany said. However, the Bayern coach has not yet decided whether the attacking player will start against Stuttgart.
The final decision will be made after the final training session: “We’ll see if he plays from the start right now. We have so many games coming up in the next few weeks; we’ll decide after today’s training session. He’s not far off from playing his first 90 minutes,” Kompany explained.
It remains to be seen whether and for how long Karl and Saibari will take the field against VfB Stuttgart. One thing is clear: While Jamal Musial will miss the Bundesliga opener, Kompany can count on Karl and Saibari, giving him additional options on offense.