Bayern Munich star Lena Oberdorf has been ruled out of action after suffering another knee injury during her side’s 5-1 victory over Cologne on Sunday.
The 23-year-old only returned to action last month after sustaining an injury to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) while in action for Germany against Austria in June 2024.
This kept her out for the entirety of last season and also resulted in her missing both the 2024 Paris Olympics and Euro 2025 with Germany.
Oberdorf was expected to feature for Germany in Friday’s Nations League clash with France after being called up to Christian Wuck’s squad.
However, Bayern Munich have now confirmed Oberdorf has suffered a cruciate ligament tear to the same knee.
Bianca Rech, director of women’s football: “This news hits us all very hard and we feel for Lena. She worked tirelessly and with great desire to come back after her first injury.
“To now face a second such setback is incredibly hard. We are fully by Lena’s side, will support her as best we can in her recovery and be there for her in every way.”
How long will Lena Oberdorf be out of action?
Bayern Munich have revealed that Lena Oberdorf will be out for several months after suffering the second ACL injury to her right knee in the space of 16 months.
This was confirmed in an examination on Monday morning, with Oberdorf set to undergo an operation on Tuesday.
It is a massive blow for Oberdorf who again is facing a disrupted season with her latest setback.
Oberdorf had quickly returned to form for Bayern Munich, scoring two goals in their recent 3-0 victory over RB Leipzig.
Schock um Lena Oberdorf! 😳 Die Nationalspielerin wurde bei einem Zusammenprall mit Kölns Adriana Achcińska unglücklich getroffen. Oberdorf, die nach einer im Juli 2024 erlittenen Kreuz- und Innenbandverletzung – ebenfalls im rechten Knie – erst beim Saisonstart ihr Comeback… pic.twitter.com/Pf4fUDHU2B
— Sky Sport News (@SkySportNews) October 19, 2025
How did Lena Oberdorf suffer her knee injury?
Lena Oberdorf appeared to suffer a knee injury after colliding with Cologne’s Adriana Achcinska.
The 23-year-old crashed to the floor and put her face in her hands, appearing to look in considerable pain.
After some on-field treatment in which her right knee was wrapped with a bandage, she was helped off the pitch on the 20-minute mark.
While the contact was on her right thigh, she appeared to twist her knee as she fell to the ground.
There will be concerns over how long Oberdorf will be out of action after only recently making her Bayern Munich debut after missing over a year of action.
Knee injuries in women’s football
There have been a number of knee injuries already in the women’s game during the 2025-26 season.
Arsenal goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger ruptured her ACL ahead of their Champions League clash with Benfica last week.
Liverpool also last week confirmed that Marie Hobinger suffered an ACL injury in their WSL defeat to Manchester City.
Lyon striker Liana Joseph is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after being diagnosed with a torn ACL earlier this month, while Giovanna Hoffman of RB Leipzig has also suffered the same injury.
