Lennart Karl has taken a significant step towards his return to competitive action after completing his first ball training session since suffering a thigh injury. The Bayern Munich midfielder managed the entire session on Tuesday at the club’s Säbener Straße training ground, marking a notable progression in his rehabilitation programme.
Karl had been sidelined with a torn muscle bundle in his thigh sustained in the run-up to the World Cup. The injury forced him to miss the tournament and subsequent club fixtures. He only resumed running exercises last week, making this latest development a crucial milestone as he rebuilds match fitness.
Joint Rehabilitation with Gnabry
Karl trained alongside teammate Serge Gnabry as both players continue working their way back to full fitness. The pair completed the session together on 14 July, providing mutual support during their respective recoveries.
Gnabry has been restricted to individual training sessions since the end of June as he recovers from his own fitness issues. While Karl has now progressed to ball work for the first time since his setback, Gnabry remains in the individual phase of his rehabilitation programme, working towards a return to team training.
Road to Return
The ability to complete a full session with the ball suggests Karl is advancing through the latter stages of his recovery. Having transitioned from running drills to technical work with the ball at his feet, the midfielder will now target a return to collective training with the senior squad.
Bayern will monitor both players closely as they gradually increase their training loads. The club has not specified when either player will be available for selection, though Karl’s participation in ball training indicates he is edging closer to rejoining team sessions after the serious thigh problem that has kept him out since before the World Cup.