Will Cucho Hernández play for Columbus Crew against Tigres UANL?

Columbus Crew are looking to make history by lifting the CONCACAF Champions Cup for the first time in their history. Wilfried Nancy led the team to the 2023 MLS Cup title in his first season at the club, bringing a swash-buckling, front-foot style of play to the team.

But as they prepare for the first leg of their CONCACAF quarter-final against Tigres UANL a key player remains a doubt. Top scorer Cucho Hernández was unceremoniously dropped from the squad for last weekend’s MLS game against Nashville. When asked about it before the game, Nancy would only say that “team policy” had forced him to leave out his star striker.

When questioned about it in the post-match press conference, Nancy said: “No I will not talk about that. Like I said, it’s just team policy and that is that.”

He was then asked whether the decision was a result of Hernández’s frustrated reaction when substituted in the previous week’s defeat. He was seen shouting at members of the Columbus coaching staff and appeared to immediately walk down the tunnel, opting not to remain on the bench with his teammates.

More disciplinary problems for Cucho Hernández?

Last season Hernández scored 24 goals in all competitions and was named MLS Cup MVP after scoring in the victory over LAFC. His value to the Crew, however, extends far beyond his goal-scoring figures and his link-up play is crucial to their attacking structures.

Deciding not to play Hernández was a big call for Nancy to make and he is expected to recall the Colombian to take on Tigres on Tuesday. He could be a crucial difference-maker as the Crew go up against one of the strongest teams on the continent.

This is not the first time that Hernández has found himself in hot water. During his time in Spain with Getafe he was handed a four-game ban for comments made to referee Gil Manzano after a game against Granada. In 2022 MLS suspended him for one game for “the use of offensive language” in a match against Portland Timbers.

Columbus have remained tight-lipped on the nature of his latest transgression but his propensity to lose his temper will be a concern for team officials. Columbus’ back-up attacking options - Christian Ramirez and Jacen Russel-Rowe - are some way short of Hernández’s quality and his continued presence will be crucial if the team is to compete on all fronts this season.