Insider ExWHUemployee has revealed that West Ham United defender Nayef Aguerd is a ‘slight doubt’ ahead of the club’s return to action on Boxing Day.
The Morocco centre-back went deep into the competition in Qatar for the 2022 World Cup as the Atlas Lions made it all the way to the semi-finals. However, he was only fit to play in the first four games of the competition before injury forced him to sit out the rest of the tournament.
Now Premier League football is set to return, West Ham travel to Arsenal in their Boxing Day fixture. It had been reported that Aguerd would be asked to return from his break early to play in the game.
It looks as though that much is true, but he may not be fit to play any part. Indeed, Ex explained as much in a new post on The West Ham Way Patreon page.
He said: “There will also be late fitness tests on the World Cup players who returned this week. Although they are all expected to be available, the only slight doubt is Nayef Aguerd, with the manager wanting to leave it until the last minute before making a decision on him.”
TIF Thoughts on Nayef Aguerd and West Ham…
Big things will likely be expected of Aguerd in a West Ham shirt. Indeed, even before being part of Morocco’s fine run at the World Cup, he joined the Hammers for a notable £30m transfer fee.
Sadly, though, he picked up an ankle injury during pre-season and has been limited to just one Premier League appearance for the club so far this season.
Seeing as Kurt Zouma is also a big doubt after having knee surgery during the winter break, the Irons may be short of options at the heart of defence. With that in mind, David Moyes may try and push Aguerd into the team even if it is a little sooner than expected and potentially recommended.
Should Nayef Aguerd be rushed back to play against Arsenal?
Yes
No
