Bayern Munich youngster Lennard Karl: No rush for 2026–27 start, full fitness is the goal

Bayern Munich young striker Lennard Karl (18) has made it clear that he is in no rush to return from injury. He will miss the World Cup and the start of the 2026–27 Bundesliga after suffering a torn ligament in his right hamstring during Germany's preparation for the 2026 World Cup.

In the 2025–26 season, Karl recorded 9 goals and 7 assists in 39 games, helping Vincent Kompany's Bayern Munich win the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal. He became the first Bayern player to play a direct role in at least 5 Bundesliga goals before the age of 18 and became the club's youngest Champions League goalscorer at 17 years and 242 days.

Bayern's Bundesliga fixtures for the 2026–27 season have yet to be released. Before that, Borussia Dortmund face Borussia Dortmund in the France Beckenbauer Super Cup on August 22. However, Karl has a sober view that "first the body has to fully cooperate; it is not ideal to return too soon".

"It was very difficult to accept such a setback in the early days. Family, girlfriends, close friends, teammates — everyone's support kept me up. Everyone reminded me that injuries are part of the game; it's how you come back that matters," he told the club's website. Carl also said he is closely monitoring muscle response from daily consultations with the medical team and fitness trainers.

With Bayern's pre-season training set to begin on July 20, he stressed, "It's not possible to join the team immediately; it will take some time. The important thing now is not to rush and progress at the right pace."

Lennard Karl, who is currently undergoing treatment and rehabilitation, has gratefully accepted the support of the fans and has set his sights on returning to 100% fitness and hitting the field.

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