News Focus
- Lennart Karl has suffered a severe thigh muscle tear while on international duty with Germany
- The 18-year-old winger faces a recovery period of between six and twelve weeks
- Bayern Munich begin their pre-season preparations on 20 July
- The 2026-27 Bundesliga campaign kicks off on 28 August
- A twelve-week absence would force the youngster to miss the opening league fixtures
Germany’s World Cup disappointment has turned into a major headache for Lennart Karl. The teenage forward now faces an extended spell on the sidelines after picking up a serious thigh injury.
The 18-year-old attacking talent was set to play a central role for Julian Nagelsmann’s squad this term. However, a muscle bundle tear in his quadriceps has brought his preparations to a sudden halt.
The reigning German double winners now wait anxiously to learn the full extent of the damage. Medical experts state that this type of muscle tear is more severe than a simple fibre tear and demands a significantly longer healing process.
Recovery times for such injuries typically range from six to twelve weeks. Much depends on how the player’s body responds to treatment and rehabilitation.
If Karl heals within six weeks, he could return when Bayern’s pre-season begins on 20 July. However, a twelve-week absence would keep him out of the opening matches of the 2026-27 Bundesliga season.
The wide man scored five goals and provided five assists during his breakthrough campaign last term. He now faces a desperate race against time to be ready for the league opener on 28 August.