We left Lucas Hernandez writhing in pain after just nine minutes of play in the World Cup. Victim of a cruciate ligament rupture in his right knee against Australia, the left-handed defender ended his World Cup, and at the same time his season and his adventure with Bayern Munich. He finished his recovery and began his return to Bavaria, before ending up in Paris. This summer, the 27-year-old was transferred to PSG for around €45m. There was enough to have some uncertainties about his physical condition after such a long absence.
But the first games quickly showed his return to form. Taking advantage of the absences of Kimpembe in central defense and Nuno Mendes in the left lane, the native of Marseillais settled in as a full-back, starting the first four Ligue 1 games, and even finishing the last against OL. Like the high-intensity races he goes on (a decisive pass against Lens), his body seems to be responding better and better. A progression that did not escape Didier Deschamps, who called on him again for the two games in September.
Lucas Hernandez never doubted
“I’m a mentally strong person, when you have injuries like that, at first you fall into a hole, you don’t see the exit. With the help of my family, my friends, my brother, my children, I bounce back. After the operation, I started to see light at the end of the tunnel. Mentally I became more and more solid. It was a long period, not easy but today I am in the national team and I play with my club. When you have glitches like that, if you’re not solid, it’s hard to come back.”concedes Lucas Hernandez in a press conference with the Blues.
A comeback that even impresses his teammates, like Aurélien Tchouaméni who never doubted the defender’s warrior mentality. “We all remember Lucas’ injury, but when I watched PSG and when I saw him yesterday, it didn’t feel like he got injured. We are happy for him, we know he has a big mind. After conquering his new club in just a few weeks, the native of Marseilles will now have to regain his place in the selection since his long absence has allowed his brother, Théo, to establish himself as a starter during the World Cup. Another form of challenge.
