West Ham United ‘late fitness tests’ for Nayef Aguerd v Tottenham – report
West Ham defender Nayef Aguerd will “no doubt” be facing a late fitness test ahead of the London derby fixture against Tottenham Hotspur, according to Claret & Hugh.
The defender was taken off in the 80th minute against Chelsea last weekend with what looked like a groin injury, a potential setback in what’s been an injury-ravaged campaign for the Moroccan international.
Claret & Hugh reported [14 February] that the Hammers man was expected to be out for weeks not months, but club insider ExWHUemployee clarified the situation [The West Ham Way, 16 February] and claimed that initial scans proved the injury was not as bad as first feared.
However, in a potential new boost to boss David Moyes and West Ham, the player could well feature against Spurs on Sunday.
And according to Claret & Hugh [16 February], Aguerd will certainly face a late fitness test ahead of the clash with Tottenham, and if he doesn’t make it, he won’t be out for more than a fortnight.
No Risks
Aguerd’s injury update certainly comes as a welcome boost to the whole club, as he’s proved all throughout his time at the London Stadium that he’s got what it takes to become a seasoned regular at the London Stadium.
The Moroccan international has been superb in recent weeks, and Hammers fans will be wondering what might have been had he been fit all campaign.
With the news emerging that he could feature against Tottenham this weekend, it is vitally important the club don’t take any risks and rush him back too early as he could be out for a prolonged period if aggravated.
Groin injuries aren’t to be trifled with, and in what is expected to be an engrossing and intense contest with both teams desperate for points in their differing targets this season, starting Aguerd could prove a very rash decision.
A late fitness test has surely got to be done, but even if he does pass it, the Hammers should wait it out a bit to get him back to action.