Bayern Munich give update on Lucas Hernandez after ACL surgery

Bayern Munich have confirmed that Lucas Hernandez underwent ‘successful’ surgery on Thursday evening to repair the ruptured ACL he suffered just 13 minutes into France’s opening World Cup game against Australia two days earlier.

It was immediately clear that 2018 World Cup winner Hernandez had potentially suffered a long-term injury and he was replaced by younger brother Theo.

France quickly confirmed that that Hernandez was ruled out of the rest of the World Cup. The fact it is an ACL injury also ends his club season with Bayern Munich, with such recovery times often between six and 12 months depending on the severity.

With the surgery performed by Professor Christian Fink in Innsbruck deemed a success, Bayern staff and fans alike will hope the player’s recovery is on the shorter end of the scale.

Hernandez is already back in Munich and is set to start the rehab process.

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The loss is a major blow to France’s World Cup hopes. The reigning champions had already lost Karim Benzema, Presnel Kimpembe and Christopher Nkunku in the days leading up to the tournament, while Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante were ruled out some time ago.

Due to the injury happening during France’s first game, Didier Deschamps is unable to call up a replacement as he had been able to for Benzema, Kimpembe and Nkunku.

France are next back in action on Saturday when they face Denmark with the chance of sealing progression into the knockout stages with a group game to spare.