Marseille defender Nayef Aguerd joins Morocco squad despite fitness concerns

Olympique Marseille defender Nayef Aguerd has joined Morocco camp for the upcoming friendly matches despite fitness concerns.

The 29-year-old sustained pubalgia injury at the weekend while in action for Marseille against Brest in the French Ligue 1. Despite the setback, the former West Ham United centre-back has joined the Atlas Lions’ training camp to have his injury assessed.

Aguerd will extend his stay in Morocco to receive appropriate medical treatment. However, he will not participate in the friendly matches against Mozambique on November 14 and Uganda on November 18.

His participation in Marseille’s upcoming away match against Nice, scheduled for November 21, is highly unlikely, as doctors have recommended approximately two weeks of rest.

Given the importance of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco must be cautious with Aguerd.

The experienced defender has made eight appearances for Marseille this season, scoring a goal across the period.

Meanwhile, Aguerd has made 57 appearances for the Morocco national team, scoring two goals in the process since his debut in 2016.

The France-based defender is expected to play a huge role for the Atlas Lions, who keen on securing the AFCON tournament on turf.

The 35^th edition of the African Cup of Nations has been scheduled to take place in the North Africa country between December 2025 and January 2026.