Lena Oberdorf on progress, focus & the art of load regulation

"I'm in a good place, I feel very well. Everything is going according to plan, we're making good progress in rehab. The knee reacts from time to time, but that's completely normal - otherwise it's all going well. There are ups and downs in rehab, of course. I just always try to look on the bright side."

"The 24-year-old plans her days systematically with the athletics and rehab coaches; the ball has rarely played a role in this phase so far. Instead, stabilisation exercises, strength training and coordination sequences determine her daily routine. This may seem unspectacular to outsiders. However, it's crucial for Oberdorf to make the best possible return. Because it's here, in the off, that the on is prepared."

Lena Oberdorf, a 24-year-old footballer, is recovering from her second cruciate ligament rupture sustained in a Bundesliga match against 1. FC Köln in October. Working at the FC Bayern Campus, she follows a structured rehabilitation program with athletics and rehab coaches focused on stabilization exercises, strength training, and coordination sequences rather than ball work. Oberdorf approaches her recovery with composure and concentration, maintaining a positive mindset despite the challenging path ahead. She acknowledges normal fluctuations in the healing process while emphasizing that careful rebuilding during rehabilitation directly prepares her for competitive return. Her systematic day-to-day routine and balanced perspective on progress and caution characterize her recovery journey.

Read at FC Bayern Women