Bayern signs Daley Blind to cover for injured Hernandez

By The Associated Press

FILE - Daley Blind of the Netherlands celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between the Netherlands and the United States, at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Dec. 3, 2022. Bayern Munich signed the experienced Dutch defender Daley Blind as a free agent to cover for the injured Lucas Hernandez on Thursday Jan. 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan, File)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Ricardo Mazalan]

MUNICH (AP) — Bayern Munich has signed veteran Dutch defender Daley Blind to cover for the injured Lucas Hernandez. Blind was a free agent after he was released by Ajax last week with six months left on his contract. He joins German champion Bayern on a short-term deal until the end of the season after completing a medical examination in Munich. Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidžić says Blind “has great international experience and leadership qualities. I’m sure he’ll help us.” The 32-year-old Blind can play in the center of defense or at left-back. Hernandez is expected to miss several months after tearing a knee ligament in France’s opening 4-1 win over Australia at the World Cup.