Soccer player Karl's 'tough road' back: After World Cup heartbreak, he's quickly heading to Klopp

Lennart Karl, a young talent for FC Bayern, is eager to return to the national team after overcoming a significant thigh injury. The setback dashed his hopes of participating in the World Cup, marking his first major professional career blow. "It was a very, very tough road," Karl reflected on the summer, noting the initial mental challenges followed by physical recovery. He expressed gratitude for the strong support from his team and staff, which facilitated his comeback.

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I am very, very happy to be back.

Despite not yet being at 100 percent, Karl estimates he is nearing 90 percent fitness. He is focused on regaining full form and earning a place in the national squad under new coach Jürgen Klopp. Klopp is set to announce his first roster for the Nations League fixtures against the Netherlands, Serbia, and Greece on September 17.

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It was a very, very tough road.

Karl voiced his hope of being included in Klopp's upcoming squad, stating, "I hope that I am there." He is working diligently to achieve full fitness and is awaiting the coach's decision. A potential meeting with Klopp is on the horizon, as the new national team manager has plans to visit FC Bayern for discussions.

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At the beginning it was more the head, afterwards more the physical. But the team supported me very well. The staff took me along very well in the hard time. That's why I definitely came back well.