Nuno Mendes’ Injury Complicates PSG’s Lineup
Nuno Mendes’ recent knee relapse poses significant challenges for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The Portuguese left-back is set to miss the crucial evening match against Monaco, prompting concern among the medical staff about his recovery. Mendes’ substitution during the Tottenham match grant Lucas Hernandez increased playing time; however, the situation quickly soured when Hernandez was sent off for an inexplicable nudge on Xavi Simons in added time.
As PSG gears up to face Monaco, manager Luis Enrique is compelled to reevaluate his lineup for the upcoming Champions League match, especially if Mendes does not recover in time.
Enrique’s Disappointment in Hernandez
Luis Enrique did not hold back in expressing his displeasure regarding Hernandez’s behavior on the pitch. Following the match, the Asturian coach remarked, “Nobody likes it, it’s not the first time and it’s weird because it’s not normal. We need to talk about this. There is no intention. I know him very well but you have to know how to control yourself.”
This comment was a clear reference to Hernandez’s earlier expulsion during the quarter-final of the Club World Cup against Bayern Munich—his former team—where he had made a similar mistake by nudging Raphaël Guerreiro. Prior to this, Hernandez had only received one red card during his career, dating back to the 2017/2018 season. Such repeated incidents raise questions about his on-field decision-making.
A Call for Change
In a recent press conference, Luis Enrique reiterated his concern for Hernandez’s discipline. He acknowledged the defender’s experience, stating, “That’s the beauty of football, you can have experience but these are actions to manage in less than a second.” The technical staff is notably surprised by Hernandez’s lack of control, especially considering VAR’s implementation, which makes such reckless actions particularly scrutinized.
Luis Enrique emphasized, “I spoke with Lucas Hernandez; he is important in the team, he has experience, and all the players like him in the team. He has to change that but he knows it.” This sentiment underscores the team’s reliance on Hernandez during Mendes’ absence.
The Pressure Mounts on Hernandez
According to sources cited by Le Parisien, Luis Enrique is not just annoyed by Hernandez’s lack of discipline but is also questioning his reliability moving forward. “We must help him realize the mistake he made,” was a statement that resonated within the locker room. Hernandez has built a reputation as a tough and aggressive player; however, this recent behavior contradicts the attributes that PSG values in him.
With the pressure of Mendes’ injury weighing on him and a contract that runs until 2028, Hernandez faces a pivotal moment in his career. He is presented with a critical opportunity to redeem himself, demonstrating that he can be a dependable asset for PSG during this challenging period. How he responds in the upcoming match against Monaco could set the tone for both his season and the team’s success.