Lucas Hernandez considered retiring from football after suffering a horrible injury during France's World Cup clash against Australia.

The Bayern Munich star lasted just 10 minutes when he picked up a nasty knee injury in the build-up to Australia's opener.

Hernandez was immediately in agony and had to be stretchered off, replaced by his brother, Theo.

It was clear that it was a serious injury and we knew that his World Cup was in danger.

But perhaps we didn't know quite how serious it was.

That's because Hernandez considered retiring after he ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament of his right knee.

That's according to French outlet, L'Equipe, who suggest his France teammates and his mother had to convince him otherwise.

Hernandez has since had a successful operation on his knee and will now begin rehabilitation in an attempt to return before the end of the season.

Lucas Hernandez considered retiring

Lucas Hernandez considered retiring

Lucas Hernandez considered retiring

In a club statement, Bayern said: "Lucas Hernández was successfully operated on by Prof. Christian Fink in Innsbruck on Thursday evening after rupturing his cruciate ligament in his right knee. The FC Bayern defender will commence his rehabilitation in Munich in the coming days. He suffered the injury in the France national team's World Cup opener against Australia."

Hernandez's devastation may well be down to previous knee injuries he's sustained.

When Bayern bought him from Atletico Madrid for a club-record £68 million in March 2019, he was still recovering from a knee injury that saw him miss the majority of the 2018/19 season as well as most of the beginning of the 2019/20 season.

After the news was confirmed, France boss Didier Deschamps showed his sympathy.

"I am extremely sorry for Lucas," said manager Didier Deschamps.

"We are losing an important element. Lucas is a warrior and I have no doubt he will do everything possible to return to the game.

"On behalf of the group, I wish him the best possible recovery."

Lucas was replaced by his brother, Theo, as France recovered to win 4-1.

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