The last time the Cuban international started a Championship game for the Canaries arrived in February as Norwich swept Cardiff aside 4-1 at Carrow Road. This was only the third league start of 2024 for Hernandez. Injuries have plagued his progress, but the consensus among the last three head coaches is that Hernandez is best suited to the role of a finisher in matches, largely due to his qualities when deployed against tiring defences.
Equally, there is a consensus that he needs to build up his fitness levels to a significant level where he can start games consistently. The winger has completed just three full matches in the last two Championship campaigns. There were eyebrows raised when Hernandez was selected in Thorup's starting XI, especially given Jack Stacey's inclusion in the side.
Thorup has predominantly favoured an inverted and wider option in his full-back and winger selections so far this season to create balance, something Hernandez and Stacey as a pairing would have broken. Instead, it was Ante Crnac who moved to the right, and the 31-year-old played centrally. It has been something trialled in matches at various points throughout the campaign, especially as Norwich has attempted to deal with the absence of the talismanic Josh Sargent.
Hernandez was selected as City's striking option as Thorup sought to add more physicality to their frontline. In the first half, without ever really threatening goal, he did occupy Sunderland duo Chris Mepham and Dan Ballard succ.
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