Sports · Football · 2 hrs ago
Lennart Karl is in a form slump at Bayern
Lennart Karl, 18, is going through his first difficult spell at Bayern Munich after a strong previous season.
He scored nine goals and made eight assists last season, but has managed one goal and one assist in nine appearances this season.
A serious thigh muscle injury kept him out of the World Cup and required 12 weeks of rehabilitation, disrupting his progress.
In Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal, Karl was left out of the starting lineup despite several attacking players being unavailable or rested.
Bayern’s sporting director said Karl is not yet at his best, while coach Vincent Kompany said the club would be patient.
Kompany expects Karl to regain his previous form, though he did not give a timetable.
Lennart Karl is in a form slump at Bayern Munich and was left out of the starting lineup against Arsenal.
The 18-year-old came on in the 68th minute of Bayern’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal but made little impact.
Bayern sporting director Max Eberl said Karl had not yet returned to his top level, while coach Vincent Kompany said the club would be patient.
Karl missed the World Cup after suffering a muscle tear in his left thigh during Germany’s preparations.
In nine appearances this season, he has scored once and provided one assist.
- Who
- Lennart Karl, an 18-year-old Bayern Munich player.
- What
- He is in a form slump and was not named in the starting lineup against Arsenal.
- When
- Wednesday evening, October 22, 2026.
- Where
- The Allianz Arena in Munich.
- Why
- Bayern officials cited his current performances; he had also missed 12 weeks after a thigh injury.
Bayern executives
Vincent Kompany
Karl's current form
Bayern executives
Executives said Karl had not yet reached his top level and cited his performances in explaining his place on the bench.
Vincent Kompany
Kompany said the club would be patient, adding that Karl was young and had experienced physical problems.
Karl scored Bayern’s equaliser against Arsenal in a 3-1 defeat in the Champions League.
Karl suffered a muscle tear in his left thigh during Germany’s World Cup preparations and missed the tournament.
Karl was left out of Bayern’s starting lineup against Arsenal and came on in the 68th minute of the 2-2 draw.
- Age
- 18
- Arsenal match
- Bayern drew 2-2
- Substitution
- Karl entered in the 68th minute
- Recovery
- 12 weeks of rehabilitation after a left-thigh muscle tear
- Season record
- 1 goal and 1 assist in 9 appearances
3 sources
What people are saying
With Lennart Karl, it is simply that he is not yet at his top level.
He knows that we have patience.
He will come back, I am not worried.