Injury update: Lucas Hernandez knee operation a success

Is it too early to title this “injury update” as if Lucas Hernandez was already a member of Bayern Munich? Regardless of particulars, fans of Die Roten should rejoice over the news that the 23-year-old French defender underwent a successful operation on his right knee.

According to a press release from Bayern Munich, Hernandez will begin his recovery immediately:

Future Bayern pro Lucas Hernández had a successful operation on his right knee on Wednesday. “The operation went very, very well, just as our doctors had imagined,” head coach Niko Kovac reported on Thursday. In accordance with his current club Atlético Madrid, the French world champion will “do the rehab here in Munich — under the supervision of our doctors and physios,” Kovac continued.

Hernandez has missed 15 games this season across all competitions on account of stomach problems and two knee injuries. The matches he missed were crucial to Atlético Madrid’s season, including the first leg of the Copa del Ray Round of 16 (in which they were knocked out) and both legs of the Champions League Round of 16 against Juventus.

By completing his rehab in Munich, Hernandez can not only be introduced to the team doctors, but he might also use this time to integrate into the team. While his France teammate and future Bayern back-liner Benjamin Pavard will not move to Bavaria until July, it’s only a 2.5 hour drive from the Allianz Arena to Stuttgart. Hernandez might also benefit from talking to outgoing Frenchman Franck Ribery and fellow World Cup winner Corentin Tolisso, not to mention Kingsley Coman.

As the World Cup winner’s recovery continues, Bayern manager Niko Kovac says he is in no rush. He expects Hernandez to be ready to contribute to the team at the beginning of next season.