CM: Theo Hernandez case ‘remains open’ – Fonseca opts for Jimenez again | OneFootball

Alex Jimenez is now expected to start at left-back for AC Milan tonight against Hellas Verona, prompting further questions about Theo Hernandez.

Theo spent the Genoa game on the bench on Sunday night with Alex Jimenez preferred to him, sparking suggestions of a fall-out. However, Sky then stated that he was expected to take his spot back following a brilliant reaction in training.

As Calciomercato.com report, Fonseca tried to play the fireman in his press conference on the eve of the Verona game when he was inevitably asked about the Theo Hernandez issue. He spoke of him being ‘the best full-back in the world’, adding that it was about getting him in the best condition.

“As I always do, we talked before the game. For me, Theo’s situation is easy to explain. He’s played a lot, he’s been in the national team,” he said.

“He hasn’t found his best physical condition yet, maybe he needs to find the conditions to be well. Theo is very important to us. It’s never a punishment for him, it’s simply to get him back in the best condition. I keep saying that, for me, he’s the best full-back in the world.”

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The attempt is mainly aimed at not creating further tension in such a difficult moment for Milan. A few minutes before the conference, however, the Portuguese coach had tried Jimenez again in the starting line-up and that means Theo is heading for the bench again.

Beyond any interpretation, the Theo Hernandez ‘case remains open’. The supposed best in the world in his position will be sat on the bench for a second straight game, one that many are regarding as a must-win for Fonseca to keep his job.

It remains to be seen whether this situation might make the Frenchman change his mind on the renewal issue. His priority has always been to stay at Milan, as his agent confirmed, but with Fonseca the right spark has not yet been ignited.