Bayern Munich midfielder Lena Oberdorf will miss the 2024 Paris Olympics after sustaining a severe knee injury.
The 22-year-old suffered a cruciate and medial collateral ligament issue in her right knee during Germany’s European Championship 2025 qualifier against Austria on Tuesday evening , which ended in a 4-0 victory.
As a result, Oberdorf will miss the Games with the German national team and a significant portion of the upcoming season for Bayern.
“This is a severe blow and we all feel for Lena. We’ll support her on her way back and be there for her in every respect. Lena is a fighter and there’s a lot to come from her,” said Bianca Rech, director of Bayern Women.
The injury is a major setback for both Oberdorf and her new club. The defensive midfielder was expected to be a key player for Bayern following her move from VfL Wolfsburg ahead of the 2024-25 season.
It was confirmed earlier in February that Bayern had agreed a deal to sign Oberdorf. She has signed a deal with the Frauen-Bundesliga side until 2028, but will now face a rehabilitation period before she can make her debut.
Oberdorf had been a standout player for Wolfsburg, making 71 league appearances and scoring 17 goals. Her accolades include a league winner’s medal, four league cup medals, and appearances in two Women’s Champions League finals. She has also earned 51 caps for Germany, netting four times since her senior debut in 2019.
The Women’s Olympic football tournament begins on July 25 and ends on August 10.
(Sebastian Gollnow/picture alliance via Getty Images)
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