Gnabry Targets Bayern Return, Goals After World Cup Injury Setback

Serge GnabryPlayer·Serge Gnabry is counting down the days until he can once again celebrate scoring for Bayern MunichTeam·Bayern Munich, as he continues his rehabilitation from an adductor injury that prematurely ended his 2025/26 season and dashed his hopes of participating in the FIFA World CupCompetition·FIFA World Cup.

The injury, sustained in April, ruled Gnabry out for an extended period, forcing him to miss the conclusion of Bayern's BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga-winning campaign and their UEFA Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League semi-final defeat to eventual champions Paris Saint-GermainTeam·Paris Saint-Germain. His absence was also felt by the Germany national team, which endured a disappointing World Cup campaign, exiting in the Round of 32 after a penalty shootout loss to Paraguay.

Despite Gnabry's injury setback, Bayern MunichTeam·Bayern Munich enjoyed a highly successful 2025/26 season under Vincent Kompany. The club secured a domestic double, claiming their 35th German championship and the German DFB Cup. They dominated the BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga, finishing 16 points clear of second-place Borussia DortmundTeam·Borussia Dortmund, accumulating 89 points with 28 wins, five draws, and only one defeat. The team also set a new BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga scoring record with 122 goals and remained unbeaten in their opening 18 league matches.

Prior to his injury, Gnabry had been a significant contributor to Bayern's formidable attack. He recorded 8 goals and 6 assists in 21 BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga matches, alongside 17 shots on target and 16 successful dribbles. Across all competitions, he contributed 10 goals and 12 assists, placing him fourth in goal involvements for the team, behind Harry KanePlayer·Harry Kane, Michael OlisePlayer·Michael Olise, and Luis DiazPlayer·Luis Diaz. Notably, Gnabry scored his 100th goal for Bayern in a January 2026 match against RB LeipzigTeam·RB Leipzig, and his strikes against Hamburger SVTeam·Hamburger SV and 1. FC Köln earned him the FC Bayern Goal of the Month award twice.

As the winger progresses through his rehabilitation, he expressed his eagerness to return to competitive action. In an interview with Bayern's website, Gnabry stated his positive outlook on his recovery:

"Very good, because I can feel I'm making progress with every session. That's fun."

He acknowledged the demanding nature of his recovery, particularly the focus on endurance, but emphasized his motivation to return to the pitch.

"I keep reminding myself: you're doing all this to be able to play again. I'm just looking forward to really enjoying football again and playing with a clear head."

Gnabry's return is anticipated for Bayern's season curtain-raiser, the DFL-SupercupCompetition·DFL-Supercup against Borussia DortmundTeam·Borussia Dortmund on August 22nd. Following this, Bayern will commence their BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga campaign at home against VfB StuttgartTeam·VfB Stuttgart on August 29th, before facing second-tier VfL OsnabrückTeam·VfL Osnabrück in a DFB-Pokal first-round tie. His comeback will be crucial for Bayern as they aim to maintain their domestic dominance and pursue European honors in the upcoming season.