France’s head coach Didier Deschamps has provided a promising update on the condition of defender Theo Hernandez, indicating that he is "going in the right direction." This news arrives amid concerns surrounding Hernandez after he was substituted during AC Milan’s exhilarating comeback win against Como.
Hernandez, who was replaced by Alex Jimenez at halftime due to a calf issue, initially sparked speculation that this was a tactical decision. However, it was later disclosed that the injury had compromised his ability to perform at peak levels. Following the match, Hernandez traveled to join the French national team for their training camp, a decision that drew ire from some Italian media outlets, including La Gazzetta dello Sport, which labeled the move an ‘insult’ to Milan.
Reporters from L’Equipe stated that Hernandez did not partake in the collective training session with the French squad on March 18. Instead, he spent his time working individually, which fueled further worries about his fitness. On March 19, however, Deschamps alleviated some of those concerns, mentioning that Hernandez would participate in the initial part of training but emphasized that he was indeed showing progress.
“Upamecano will carry out the session normally. Theo will do the first part individually, but he is going in the right direction,” Deschamps stated, as reported by MilanNews. The coach's remarks come at a critical time for AC Milan, as the club is preparing for a series of demanding fixtures in the coming weeks. While they await Hernandez's return to full capacity, team management hopes that the French national team will handle his rehabilitation with utmost care to avoid any potential setbacks.
Amid these developments, there remains ongoing speculation regarding Hernandez’s contract situation with AC Milan. As he continues to recover, fans and analysts alike are keen to see how the situation unfolds, particularly as Hernandez is considered a vital player for both his club and country.
The stakes are particularly high for AC Milan, as they aim to maintain their competitiveness in the league. With Hernandez's defensive capabilities and offensive support now in question, the pressure mounts on the Rossoneri to adapt strategically until their star defender is back to full fitness.
As the national coach, Deschamps has a significant interest in ensuring Hernandez’s recovery is managed well, given the crucial role he plays not just at the club level but also for the French national team's ambitions in upcoming tournaments. It's a delicate balance for Deschamps and his team, trying to navigate between ensuring Hernandez is fit for the national squad while respecting the needs of AC Milan.
With Hernandez’s health now under close scrutiny, both clubs and fans will be vigilant in tracking his recovery, hoping for positive news in the next days. It’s clear that Hernandez's performance in the coming weeks could influence both Milan's campaign in Serie A and France’s upcoming international matches.
As this story develops, many are left wondering if Hernandez can return to full form before the next round of matches, reminding fans of the ever-increasing pressure athletes face when they teeter between club and national responsibilities.
