Nayef Aguerd remains a fitness doubt for Olympique de Marseille ahead of Saturday’s Ligue 1 meeting with leaders FC Lens, according to head coach Roberto De Zerbi.
The Moroccan international defender picked up a knock during his final appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations and has yet to rejoin full training since returning to the club.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Friday, De Zerbi confirmed that a late decision would be taken on Aguerd’s availability.
“He took a knock during the last AFCON match against Senegal. He is training separately, so we will see if he can play tomorrow,” said the Italian coach.
Aguerd returned to Marseille earlier this week after representing Morocco at the continental tournament. On Friday afternoon, he trained individually rather than with the rest of the squad, casting uncertainty over his involvement in a match that pits Marseille against the current Ligue 1 pace-setters.
The defender’s potential absence would be another concern for De Zerbi as his side looks to respond following a difficult week in European competition.
Marseille were beaten 3-0 at home by Liverpool on Wednesday night in the Champions League, a result that has complicated their qualification prospects.
“We need to redeem ourselves after the bad game against Liverpool” (0-3) on Wednesday in the Champions League, said Mr. De Zerbi, while also acknowledging that Aguerd is not assured of starting against Lens even if deemed fit.
That defeat leaves Marseille facing a decisive final group match next Wednesday away to Club Bruges.
The French side currently sit 19th in the Champions League standings with nine points and must finish inside the top 24 to progress to the play-offs.
Their Belgian opponents are 27th with seven points and remain in contention for qualification.
While European matters loom large, Marseille’s immediate focus is on domestic duties, with the visit of Lens offering a significant test.
Lens arrive as league leaders, and Marseille will be eager to regain momentum after recent setbacks.
Aguerd’s condition will continue to be monitored up to kick-off, with De Zerbi weighing the risk of using a player who has not trained fully.
His availability could prove pivotal as Marseille seek a response both in performance and result.
