David Moyes makes Nayef Aguerd admission ahead of FCSB v West Ham United
David Moyes has hinted that West Ham summer signing Nayef Aguerd could feature against FCSB on Thursday (3 November) in the Europa Conference League.
The Hammers have already qualified for the next round and this game is a dead rubber for them.
However, it is also a fantastic opportunity for the club to give more exposure to young talents and players returning from injuries. Aguerd could get some minutes.
“We hope Nayef can play as long as we can again and we will hopefully try to get him back [to full fitness],” said Moyes,” said Moyes, ahead of the game, as quoted by Football London.
“These games have been really good for him. We included him in the squad at the start and even though he was injured, we thought he had a chance to get back for the last couple of the games, it’s the way it’s proved to be.
“Might just be a bit quick for him for the Premier League [before the World Cup] but let’s see how he goes tomorrow and hopefully, he gets a part of a game under his belt.”
Smart choice
Aguerd joined in the summer transfer window for a fee of around £30 million from Rennes.
The highly-rated defender picked up an ankle injury in the pre-season, and there were fears that he could miss the World Cup.
However, Aguerd has returned to full fitness, and made his debut last week in the 1-0 win over Silkeborg.
David Moyes is likely to give him more game time as he is gradually building on his fitness. At the moment, the defender is not yet physically ready to play in the Premier League.
Moyes probably will not rush him in the league. However, these games are important for his match fitness. The centre-back is expected to travel with Morocco for the World Cup in Qatar later this month.
Moyes is likely to give rest to most of his senior players for this game as he wants them to be fully fit and fresh for the weekend’s Premier League clash against Crystal Palace.