Bayern's Karl back on pitch for first time since World Cup injury

Bayern Munich's Germany winger Lennart Karl returned to the training pitch on Wednesday, a month after injury ruled him out of the World Cup just before the start.

His hamstring tear has healed enough to allow the 18-year-old to begin running again at Bayern's training ground, the Bundesliga champions said in a statement.

He will now build up his recovery programme ahead of Bayern's official return to pre-season training on July 20.

"It’ll take some time before I can join the sessions with the guys. Now it’s about not overdoing it," the forward recently told the club website.