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A great day for Lucas Hernandez ended prematurely after 45 minutes today, as Bayern Munich crushed Fortuna Düsseldorf 5-0 in an empty Allianz Arena. The game was Hernandez’s first start since February 21, when Bayern hosted relegation-bound SC Paderborn. His last start prior to that date? October 19, 2019.
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At halftime, Hernandez was subbed for Michael Cuisance, setting off a cascade of position changes in the Bayern lineup. Cuisance took Kimmich’s place alongside Leon Goretzka in the midfield, David Alaba took Hernandez’s place as left center-back, and Kimmich took Alaba’s place as right center-back.
Adductor problems were the reason for Hernandez’s abrupt departure from the game. Flick stated told the press after the game that he considered it too risky to allow Hernandez to continue:
Flick über die Auswechslung von Lucas Hernández zur Pause: "Ich musste ihn wegen Adduktorenproblemen runternehmen, da wollten wir kein Risiko eingehen." Aber: keinerlei Prognose möglich, ob und wie lange der Franzose ausfällt. #FCBF95
— Patrick Strasser (@AZ_Strasser) May 30, 2020
Flick about the substitution of Lucas Hernandez at halftime: “I had to take him out because of adductor problems. We didn’t want to take any risk.” But: no prognosis is possible as to whether and how long the Frenchman will be out.
Hernández hat Adduktoren-Probleme. Flick war das Risiko zu groß, den Franzosen weiterspielen zu lassen (Korrektur, danke). #fcbayern @SPORTBILD @BILD_Sport
— Tobi Altschäffl (@altobelli13) May 30, 2020
Hernandez has adductor problems. The risk was too great for Flick to allow the Frenchman to continue to play.
Bayern confirmed the injury in a brief press release after the game. There, Flick is quoted as saying, “He had adductor problems. The risk was too great given the score; we didn’t want to take it.”
Hernandez suffered a ruptured ligament in his right ankle in mid-October and missed the following four months. Since his return to match fitness, however, he had not started a game. Events had passed him by: David Alaba has taken the roster place intended for Hernandez, to allow Alphonso Davies to play at left-back. What happens next for Hernandez is anyone’s guess. But for now, we hope he overcomes his latest injury setback soon.