West Ham United’s leadership may find themselves in a state of frustration should Nayef Aguerd remain unavailable for the team’s upcoming fixtures while subsequently participating in the African Cup of Nations, according to the latest from Claret and Hugh.
As reported by the outlet on December 27, there are indications that the Moroccan defender has recuperated from the flu that has affected several members of the squad. Nevertheless, it appears unlikely that Aguerd will be ready to compete against Arsenal. West Ham’s concern lies in the possibility of Aguerd prioritizing his fitness for the imminent AFCON campaign with Morocco, raising doubts about his readiness for the upcoming matches against Arsenal and Brighton.
If Aguerd continues to be sidelined for both Premier League encounters but promptly regains his fitness to join his national team, it is likely to trigger suspicions within the West Ham leadership at the London Stadium.
Should a prospective buying club match the initial £30 million investment made to acquire Aguerd from Rennes in 2022, West Ham might entertain the idea of parting ways with the player, signaling a potential shift in their stance.
The circumstances surrounding Aguerd’s prolonged absence due to illness compared to the speedy recoveries of other affected players within the club present an intriguing scenario. While it is plausible that Aguerd’s recovery might be genuinely delayed due to the illness, there is a sense of suspicion regarding the timing, especially given the imminent AFCON tournament.
If Aguerd conveniently returns to full fitness in line with his AFCON commitments, it is inevitable that inquiries will be made, and West Ham’s leadership may find themselves perturbed by the situation. However, it is essential to refrain from premature conclusions about Aguerd’s intentions until further developments unfold, especially considering his valuable contributions as one of the team’s standout defenders for a significant portion of the season.
