Nayef Aguerd
OM
Returns to training
Aguerd (groin) returned to training on Tuesday at La Commanderie, the club announced.
Analysis: Aguerd had been sidelined for several months with a groin injury, with his last appearance coming in the nightmarish Coupe de France quarterfinal loss to Toulouse at the Velodrome on March 4. The Morocco international was unable to feature at the World Cup as a result of the injury. He made just 22 appearances last season, picking up five yellow cards along the way. Aguerd is expected to build toward full fitness as Marseille's preseason preparations continue.
Won't play in World Cup
Aguerd (pubalgia) has been ruled out of the World Cup, according to Hanif Ben Berkane of Foot Mercato.
Analysis: Aguerd had been working through his rehabilitation from the pubalgia surgery that ended his Marseille season prematurely, but his recovery has ultimately come too late for him to be available for the tournament. Morocco will now need to manage without one of their most important center-backs, having already lost Ez Abde (knee) to injury, heading into what promises to be a highly demanding group stage campaign against Brazil. Aguerd is replaced by Marwane Saadane.
Returns to collective training
Aguerd (pubalgia) has resumed collective training sessions under the supervision of Morocco's medical staff and is following the planned rehabilitation schedule ahead of the World Cup, with coach Mohamed Ouahbi confirming his return is on course, according to Lions de L'Atlas.
Analysis: Aguerd had undergone surgery for his pubalgia and dealt with post-operative bone inflammation that ended his Marseille season prematurely, making his return to collective training a meaningful milestone in his recovery. Manager Ouahbi confirmed the defender's progress is following the expected timeline, giving Morocco cautious optimism about having one of their most important defensive figures available at some point during the tournament.
Fitness concern ahead of World Cup
Aguerd (pubalgia) is following the medical protocol put in place by Morocco's staff but was not ready to feature against Madagascar, with a decision on his World Cup availability still to be made, according to coach Mohamed Ouahbi, per NextGen Morocco. "He follows the protocol we have put in place. He was not ready to play this match, we still have time to make a decision. Whatever happens, we also have Saadane and we are well covered at that position."
Analysis: Aguerd had undergone surgery for his pubalgia before dealing with post-operative bone inflammation that brought a premature end to his Marseille season, and the coach's cautious comments suggest his availability for the tournament remains genuinely uncertain. The center-back made 21 starts for Marseille this campaign, contributing one goal, 32 tackles, 36 interceptions and 91 clearances before the injury struck, underlining the significant loss his absence would represent for the Atlas Lions. Chadi Riad is expected to start in his place should Aguerd be unable to prove his fitness in time for Morocco's opening fixture.
Called up by Morocco
Aguerd (pubalgia) has been called up by Morocco for the World Cup despite still experiencing pain during training, raising questions over how available he will be for the Atlas Lions during the tournament, the club posted.
Analysis: Aguerd had undergone surgery for his pubalgia and subsequently dealt with post-operative bone inflammation that brought a premature end to his Marseille season, making his inclusion in Morocco's squad a significant show of faith from the national team coaching staff. The center-back made 21 starts for Marseille this campaign, contributing one goal, 32 tackles, 36 interceptions and 91 clearances before the injury struck, and Morocco will be hoping he can manage his condition well enough to contribute meaningfully during the competition despite the ongoing discomfort in training.
Travels to Morocco
Aguerd (pubalgia) will travel to Morocco to continue his rehabilitation protocol in collaboration with the national team's medical staff, bringing a definitive end to his Marseille season, according to the club.
Analysis: Aguerd had been dealing with post-operative bone inflammation since undergoing surgery for his pubalgia, making any return to action this season impossible. The Moroccan center-back ends the campaign having been an undisputed starter for Marseille before the injury struck, and the focus now shifts entirely to being fit for Morocco at the World Cup next month. The club remains in close coordination with the various medical staffs involved to ensure his recovery progresses smoothly ahead of the tournament. Aguerd made 21 appearances (21 starts) for Marseille this campaign, contributing one goal, 32 tackles, 36 interceptions and 91 clearances.
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