MN: ‘Exhausted’ Theo Hernandez at risk of losing spot – why Milan are partly culpable | OneFootball

Theo Hernandez has certainly not been close to his best this season, but the club share some blame for his struggles to remain consistent.

As MilanNews writes, Theo’s season has been one of cooling breaks, missed penalties and red cards rather than the incredible runs and goals fans have grown to know and love. He can’t find a bit of peace, also but above all due to his own shortcomings, it must be admitted.

On Saturday against Como Sergio Conceiçao took him off at half-time and, given the season he is having, most presumed it was a tactical choice. However, it turned out it was due to a calf problem that prevented him from being 100%.

Yet, the Frenchman still managed to end up at the center of criticism and discussions for having accepted the call-up from Didier Deschamps’ national team for the next two matches against Croatia in the Nations League.

Last night was the first match against Croatia and they were defeated by goals from Ante Budimir and Ivan Perisic. Theo who was not a protagonist, remaining on the bench for the entire duration of the match.

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Milan hope that being with France could do Theo Hernandez some good in terms of his mental space and also finding form, especially for this final part of the season. The impression, however, is that the No.19 has lost the stimulas that over the last five years have made him one of the best in his role.

The Rossoneri need Theo for the run-in and – if his performances pick up – he could regain the trust of the club and fans, thus reopening the renewal discussions, but also to return to being an attractive profile for clubs around Europe.

Milan are partly culpable because Hernandez still doesn’t have a replacement in the squad, but his starting spot is wavering. Alex Jimenez has shown that he has what it takes to be a starter for this Milan, and losing his starting spot might finally be the stimulus that Theo needs.