Nayef Aguerd
OM
Set to be available for opener
Aguerd (groin) is back in training with Marseille following his collapsed move to Real Sociedad and is expected to be available for Friday's season opener against Strasbourg, the club announced.
Analysis: Aguerd's return to the group comes as Marseille prepare at Centre RLD ahead of hosting Strasbourg to open the 2026-27 Ligue 1 campaign at the Velodrome. Even with him back in the fold, Leonardo Balerdi is expected to start in central defense alongside either Dereck Cornelius, if he recovers in time from his own injury, or Geoffrey Kondogbia. Aguerd is expected to work his way back into the starting picture in the coming weeks after the disruption caused by the failed transfer. His availability nonetheless gives Marseille a boost in squad depth heading into the opener.
Not fit to play full game
Aguerd (groin) is not fit to play a full game as he is currently following a specific protocol and will ultimately not sign with Real Sociedad for that reason, despite passing a medical and an agreement being reached between the two clubs, deciding to decline the Spanish proposal after speaking with coach Pellegrino Matarazzo, according to Santi Aouna of Foot Mercato.
Analysis: Aguerd had been sidelined since March with a groin issue that also cost him a spot at the World Cup with Morocco, making just 22 appearances last season before the injury struck, and had recently returned to full training in what was described as his final phase of recovery with Marseille. After undergoing a medical in Spain, Real Sociedad coach Pellegrino Matarazzo reportedly asked him to play eight full 90 minute matches starting in September, something incompatible with his medical protocol for a gradual return built around 30, then 60, then 90 minute increments. With this move now off the table, he appears set to remain in Marseille, or find a different destination, as his situation continues to develop through the rest of the transfer window.
Back in team training
Aguerd (groin) is back in team training and is in his final phase of recovery, the club posted.
Analysis: Aguerd had been sidelined since March with a groin issue that also cost him a spot at the World Cup with Morocco, making just 22 appearances last season before the injury struck. His return to full training confirms the encouraging progress recently noted by new coach Bruno Genesio, and it marks a significant step forward as he looks close to be ready for the new 2026/27 Ligue 1 season. That said, he could be on the move away from Marseille this summer, therefore his status needs to be monitored.
Could resume training soon
Aguerd (groin) is on the right track and could resume training during Marseille's training camp in the Netherlands from August 3 to 8, according to coach Bruno Genesio, per La Provence. "He is on the right track, he could resume training during our camp in the Netherlands."
Analysis: Aguerd has been sidelined since March with a groin issue that also cost him a spot at the World Cup with Morocco, and he made just 22 appearances last season before the injury struck. His potential return to training during the upcoming camp would mark a significant step toward being ready for the new season after the tailored recovery program he had been following.
Follows specific training program
Aguerd (groin) is doing a specific program to recover from his injury and build fitness, according to GP013.
Analysis: Aguerd has been sidelined since March, an issue that also cost him a spot at the World Cup with Morocco, and his tailored recovery program suggests Marseille is being careful with his reintegration. He made just 22 appearances last season, and his progression through the program will be worth monitoring as he works toward full fitness for the new campaign.
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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