Football record champions: DFB stars start Bayern preparation

FC Bayern Munich's German international players have commenced their preseason preparations, nearly a month after their disappointing World Cup exit. Following the official start of training, key figures like Joshua Kimmich and Manuel Neuer underwent medical examinations at the Krankenhaus Barmherzige Brüder near Nymphenburg Palace. Further tests were conducted at the club's facilities on Säbener Strasse.

The team's World Cup campaign ended prematurely in the round of 16 against Paraguay in a penalty shootout. The preparation phase is seeing a gradual integration of players. Alongside the German stars, Japanese player Hiroki Ito and South Korean Minjae Kim have also rejoined the team. Canada's captain Alphonso Davies and Senegal's Bara Ndiaye also participated in the initial examinations.

While U21 captain Tom Bischof, reserve goalkeeper Sven Ulreich, and several young players were already on the training pitch in the Bavarian mountain setting of Rottach-Egern, the international returnees were still undergoing their medical assessments. "The squad will gradually become more complete. As often happens, it's a bit of a challenge, but we will master it well and be truly ready for the start," said Sporting Director Christoph Freund.

New acquisition Nathaniel Brown, signed from Eintracht Frankfurt for approximately 50 million euros, is expected to join the team in Rottach-Egern. The World Cup participants will engage in their first training sessions under coach Vincent Kompany after their medicals. A friendly match against local club FC Rottach-Egern is scheduled for Thursday. England captain Harry Kane and French players Michael Olise and Dayot Upamecano, who were involved in the World Cup third-place match just a week prior, will be the last to return to training after the team's tour of Asia.