Lennart Karl (foto: Uradni FB/TW/IG profil igralca)
Bayern Munich's 18-year-old jewel, Lennart Karl, is finally back on the pitch after an injury just days before the World Cup destroyed his dream of representing Germany.
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Lennart Karl can finally smile again.
The 18-year-old Bayern Munich wonderkid has returned to competitive action after the injury that forced him to miss this summer's World Cup and interrupted the spectacular rise of one of Germany's brightest young talents.
Karl had already produced several remarkably mature performances for Bayern despite his age, establishing himself as one of the most exciting prospects at the German champions.
Then came the worst possible timing.
Injury struck just days before the World Cup
Karl suffered his injury only days before the tournament, ending his hopes of representing Germany on football's biggest stage.
The setback was particularly painful because national team coach Julian Nagelsmann had planned to include the teenager in his World Cup squad.
Germany eventually exited the tournament in the round of 16, while Karl was forced to watch from the sidelines.
Now his long wait is finally over.
Bayern coach Vincent Kompany gave Karl five minutes in the club's latest match, allowing him to rediscover the rhythm and intensity of competitive football.
The youngster admits he is not quite back to full fitness, but he is getting close.
"I'm about 90 percent," Karl said when asked about his condition.
That is encouraging news for Bayern, who will be careful not to rush one of their most valuable young players after such a difficult period.
More minutes could now follow
Bayern's next challenge comes on Wednesday when they travel to Osnabrück in the DFB Cup, potentially offering Karl another opportunity to increase his playing time.
After that, Kompany's side will return to Bundesliga action against Schalke.
The World Cup opportunity is gone, but Karl's career is only beginning. At 18, Bayern's young jewel is finally back where he belongs – on the football pitch.