Bayern boss Flick praises Hernandez despite 'tactical deficits'

Bayern Munich defender Lucas Hernandez

Lucas Hernandez still needs to get up to speed with the tactical demands of playing for Bayern Munich following his spell on the sidelines, according to boss Hansi Flick.

World Cup-winning France international Hernandez was an €80million acquisition from Atletico Madrid last year but he has struggled during his debut campaign in Bavaria.

The 24-year-old suffered ankle ligament damage at the end of October and was sidelined for more than three months.

During that time, Niko Kovac was sacked as head coach and Bayern were revitalised under Flick, who will complete a stunning resurgence and guide the club to their eighth consecutive Bundesliga title if they beat Werder Bremen on Tuesday.

Alphonso Davies has enjoyed a rapid rise to establish himself as first choice at left-back, while David Alaba has slotted in at centre-back in accomplished fashion, meaning Hernandez's versatility is of no immediate use in terms of remedying his situation.

Flick handed Hernandez a start in the weekend win over Borussia Monchengladbach, but Hernandez was substituted after the hour, having been replaced at half-time during the 5-0 thrashing of Paderborn

Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Manchester City are among the clubs to have been linked with his services and Flick concedes the player has work to do after such a long spell on the sidelines.

 #Flick on the team's current form: "The quality at training is very high. That's the basis for performing well on matchdays. We're taking things one step at a time to make sure we win the league. We've got a seven point lead, but the games still need to be won." #SVWFCB pic.twitter.com/54SbRxiCcu

— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) June 15, 2020

"Lucas is an absolute professional, I like his dynamic training," he told a news conference on Monday.

"He was absent for a long time and therefore has tactical deficits. 

"I'm happy with him, every player needs a rhythm. I see its potential."

Star forwards Thomas Muller and Robert Lewandowski are set to return from suspension against Werder, while Niklas Sule is to resume training later this week following a long-term knee ligament injury, along with Philippe Coutinho (ankle).

"There will be two changes that everyone can think of." Flick said, alluding to Lewandowski and Muller's involvement, although Javi Martinez is laid low with a stomach bug.

Weekend goalscorer Joshua Zirkzee is nursing a knock, as is winger Ivan Perisic.