Nayef Aguerd will not feature for Real Sociedad in their La Liga fixture against Las Palmas, with head coach Imanol Alguacil confirming the Moroccan international has not yet recovered from a knee issue sustained earlier this month.
Aguerd, who was forced off during the match against Real Madrid on April 1, has not returned to full training with the squad.
The club continues to monitor his condition closely, but Alguacil made it clear during his press conference on Friday, April 4, that the centre-back will not be available for selection this weekend.
Despite the setback, the Real Sociedad boss remains hopeful that Aguerd could return in time for the club’s next league outing against Mallorca, scheduled for Saturday, April 12.
“We’re taking it day by day,” Alguacil said. “We don’t want to rush anything, but the aim is to have him back for Mallorca if all goes well.”
Aguerd’s absence adds to Real Sociedad’s growing concerns as they enter a crucial phase of the season. Currently sitting in 10th place in La Liga, the Basque club is nine points adrift of sixth position — the final spot that secures qualification for European competition next season.
With only a limited number of matches remaining, Sociedad faces an uphill battle to close the gap on the top six.
Every point is vital, and the absence of an experienced defender like Aguerd could prove significant in a tightly contested finish to the campaign.
Since joining Real Sociedad, Aguerd has become an integral part of the club’s defensive unit, known for his composure, aerial ability, and leadership at the back.
His presence has often brought a sense of stability to the team, and his loss will be keenly felt on the pitch in the upcoming fixture.
Las Palmas, meanwhile, will look to capitalise on the absence of the Moroccan centre-back as they aim to consolidate their mid-table standing.
The upcoming clash is expected to be a stern test for Real Sociedad, who have experienced a run of inconsistent results in recent weeks.
Alguacil may be forced to reshuffle his backline in Aguerd’s absence, potentially giving opportunities to fringe players or younger talents within the squad.
The manager emphasised the importance of adaptability and resilience, especially with so much still at stake in the closing weeks of the season.
“We have a strong squad, and whoever steps in will be ready,” said Alguacil. “We have to keep pushing if we want to give ourselves a chance of European football.”
The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining Real Sociedad’s fate. With Nayef Aguerd’s condition under watch and the race for continental competition intensifying, every match, every point, and every available player could shape the trajectory of their season.
