Lucas Hernandez nears Bayern return following ACL injury | OneFootball

Bayern Munich have confirmed that centre-back Lucas Hernandez has returned to training following a lengthy injury lay-off.

Hernandez tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) while on international duty with France at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The 27-year-old came off just ten minutes into the tournament curtain-raiser against Australia after suffering a non-contact injury following a defensive action.

Hernandez has been out of action since but is now close to returning to the pitch after training with the ball again on Monday.

The former Atletico Madrid defender began running again in March and has since taken the next step in his rehabilitation, including training with the ball, passing and dribbling exercises.

Hernandez has endured an injury-ridden campaign that has reduced him to just six Bundesliga starts this term and 11 appearances in all competitions.

The Frenchman suffered an adductor injury in the Champions League clash with Barcelona earlier in the season, which ruled him out for ten games.

However, his return to the pitch did not last long, as he subsequently picked up another injury while on international duty that threatened to end his campaign.

Despite Hernandez’s injury problems, Bayern are keen on retaining the services of the Frenchman with a new long-term contract on the horizon.

The defender’s current deal runs out in 2024. But negotiations over a new contract are progressing well, with the centre-back open to remaining at the Allianz Arena for the foreseeable future.

Hernandez joined the German champions from Atletico for a club and Bundesliga record €80 million fee in 2019. He has represented the Bavarians 107 times, chipping in with two goals and eight assists.

The France international has left the door open to a potential return to the Spanish giants if the opportunity arises after coming through the ranks at Los Colchoneros, where he spent 12 years before joining Bayern.