What do the mysterious patches on Bayern players' ears mean?

On the eve of the decisive semi-final clash between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, a curious image caught the attention of the European press...

What do the mysterious patches on Bayern players' ears mean?

TL;DR

  • Bayern Munich players are using small ear patches for real-time physical monitoring.
  • The technique involves extracting blood samples from the earlobe to measure lactate and creatine kinase.
  • These measurements help assess muscle fatigue and physical stress, allowing for adjustments to training.
  • The patches also serve as an early warning system for potential injuries and aid in rehabilitation.
  • This practice, while appearing recent, has been implemented at Bayern for years, evolving from earlier lactate testing methods.