Chris Sutton worries for Morocco as West Ham United ace Nayef Aguerd ruled out v Portugal
Chris Sutton is worried for Morocco as they look set to be without West Ham defender Nayef Ageurd for their World Cup quarter-final clash against Portugal.
The ex-England striker wrote for BBC Sport that he really wants Morocco to win this game, and has predicted a 1-0 victory for the African nation.
Aguerd picked up an injury against Spain and he is not expected to be fit to play against Portugal, according to a report from L’Equipe.
The French publication has reported that it will take a miracle for the Hammers defender to get fit ahead of this game. While the extent of the hamstring injury is yet unknown, it can be safely assumed that he won’t be ready for the titanic clash against Portugal.
Aguerd, who joined in the summer transfer window from Rennes for a fee of around £30m [Sky Sports], is a key player for his country, and losing him is a massive blow.
“Morocco are going to find this game a lot harder than stopping Belgium or Spain, but they are super-organised defensively – they have only conceded one goal at this World Cup – and extremely aggressive on the break,” wrote Sutton for BBC Sport.
“It worries me that they might be without West Ham United’s Nayef Aguerd, who came off injured against Spain and is one of their key defenders.
“But I really want Morocco to go though – their fans are amazing and it would be a sensational story for them to reach the semi-finals.
“My head is telling me Portugal, because they are bubbling with confidence now, but I am a bit of an old romantic – and I am going to follow my heart here.”
Fingers crossed
Aguerd picked up an injury during the pre-season, and it took him a long time to get fit.
He is a big-money signing for the Hammers, and his latest injury is equally worrying for the club.
Morocco are the dark horse in this edition of the World Cup, and they have been superb at the back, with Aguerd producing some phenomenal performances.
He is definitely going to miss the game against Portugal, but the real concern is how bad his injury is at the moment.
West Ham need him to deliver in the second half of the campaign. The club are struggling in the bottom half of the league, and David Moyes needs all his top players to step up.
It will be a massive blow for the club if he is ruled out for months.
Kurt Zouma is also currently injured and no time frame has been put as to when he can return.
The Hammers fans got a glimpse of how good a player Aguerd is in the World Cup, and they will hope his latest injury is not serious.