Brothers will be fierce opponents in the UCL - but they'll play on the same team tomorrow

In professional football, there isn't much time for family life. But when your brother is also a pro footballer, things looks very different. Lucas and Theo Hernandez will get to play for their country in the European Championship qualifier against Republic of Ireland on Thursday - and will also share the pitch when their clubs, Paris Saint-Germain and Milan, respectively, meet in the UEFA Champions League group stage.

The elder Hernandez spoke to L'Equipe in French national team's base in Clairefontaine.

What are your feelings about being back with the French national team after your serious injury at the World Cup?

"It's always a pride to be in blue. I had a very tough time with that ACL injury. But mentally, I was 100% confident I would come back. Nine months later, here I am. It's a huge satisfaction. Mentally, I'm solid. The support of my family also made it easier for me to bounce back. My return to France and Paris is satisfying as well. My goal was to sign with PSG. I hope to live up to it both in the club and the national team."

You're also reuniting with your brother Theo in the national team. Is that also a source of satisfaction?

"All the call-ups with my brother are incredible. These are unique moments that we want to cherish. It's pure happiness. Since my injury, Theo has performed well. He took the left-back position. Ultimately, it's the coach's decision. If it's me, I'll give 200%. If it's Theo, I'll be there to support him. I'm always happy to see my brother on the field."

Theo has fewer caps than you, but he scores more for the national team...

"It's not difficult because I never score goals! But as long as it stays in the family. We tease each other a lot, but it's never mean-spirited. We share all our joys together."

You could also play in the centre. Didier Deschamps mentioned this possibility due to your versatility. Are you a candidate?

"I'm always open to all possibilities. I'm at the coach's disposal. Whether in the centre or on the left, I'll always be ready to give my best, as I've always done when I'm on the field."

There are many PSG players in the national team. You play with Mbappe at PSG on the left flank. In attack, there will be the trio of Dembele-Kolo Muani-Mbappe. Can these partnerships be an advantage for the national team?

"Certainly, there will be more automatisms that will develop. We know each other better as teammates. That helps. But I've been fortunate to play with Kylian in the national team for a few years now. Furthermore, France is lucky to have great depth in attack with players like Kingsley Coman or Olivier Giroud. But having those three together every day at PSG can be a plus for the future of the national team."

Stade de France will be used for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, so the footballers are playing at Parc des Princes. Are you happy to play against the Republic of Ireland there?

"Wearing the shirt with the rooster is always a source of pride, especially at Parc des Princes. About a year and a half ago, I played there against Kazakhstan. The Stade de France is iconic for the national team, but Parc des Princes is a great stadium with a great atmosphere. I hope to be there against Ireland."

After nearly three months at PSG, you've almost always been a Parisian.

"I was fortunate to find a club where my teammates welcomed me very well. I also know many Spanish and French players in the squad. That helps with integration, along with speaking French. But I'm a very open person. It makes everything easier."

You will also face your brother as an opponent with AC Milan in the Champions League. You can't seem to be separated from each other?

"We ended up in a great Champions League group. It's good to have big matches right from the start. It's the best competition in Europe, in the world. Everyone wants to win it! And I'm going to face Theo. Of course, we've talked about it. But I want to focus first on our opening game against Borussia Dortmund."

Is Kylian Mbappe staying at PSG a plus for winning this competition?

"With Kylian, we're talking about one of the best players in the world. It's better to have him with us than against us. I hope he stays in Paris for a long time."