Moroccan defender Nayef Aguerd faces injury setback amid Real Sociedad’s crucial run-in

Real Sociedad’s defensive anchor Nayef Aguerd faces an anxious wait after sustaining a suspected quadriceps injury during their 3-0 La Liga victory over Leganés, raising concerns over his availability during a pivotal stage of the season.

The Moroccan international, who joined Real Sociedad on loan from West Ham during the 2024 summer transfer window, has been instrumental in fortifying the Basque side’s defense.

With 32 appearances across all competitions and 17 clean sheets, Aguerd has become a cornerstone of Imanol Alguacil’s backline.

However, his consistent run was abruptly halted on Sunday when he was forced off the pitch after just 32 minutes, clutching his thigh in visible pain.

The incident unfolded at the Anoeta Stadium, where Aguerd collapsed after feeling a sharp pain in his left quadriceps.

Despite the swift intervention of the medical team, the 28-year-old was unable to continue and had to be substituted, leaving teammates and supporters deeply concerned.

Speaking after the match, Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil expressed his unease over the severity of the injury.

“For Nayef Aguerd, we will have to wait for the results of the ultrasound,” Alguacil said. “He is suffering from discomfort in his quadriceps, and I am almost convinced that it’s a small tear. This is the bad news of the evening.”

While Sociedad celebrated a comfortable victory over Leganés, the uncertainty surrounding Aguerd’s fitness casts a shadow over the team’s immediate future.

Should medical tests confirm a muscle tear, the defender could be sidelined for several weeks—an absence that couldn’t come at a worse time.

Aguerd is already set to miss the upcoming La Liga clash against FC Barcelona due to suspension, but the bigger concern lies with the string of high-stakes fixtures on the horizon.

Real Sociedad is preparing for a demanding schedule that includes a crucial encounter against Real Madrid and both legs of the Europa League round of 16 against Manchester United on March 6 and 13.

Aguerd’s defensive prowess has been vital in Sociedad’s domestic and European campaigns, and his potential absence could disrupt Alguacil’s tactical setup.

Known for his aerial dominance, composure under pressure, and leadership at the back, Aguerd’s presence has been a key factor in Sociedad’s impressive defensive record this season.

The timing of the injury also poses challenges for Morocco’s national team coach Walid Regragui, with World Cup qualifiers against Niger and Tanzania scheduled for March.

Aguerd, a regular starter for the Atlas Lions, plays a critical role in Morocco’s defensive structure, and Regragui will be closely monitoring the situation, hoping the damage is not as severe as initially feared.

For Aguerd, this marks the second injury scare of the season. A minor issue in December briefly raised alarms but proved inconsequential. This time, however, the concern appears far more serious.

As Real Sociedad awaits the official medical report, the club and its fans remain hopeful that Aguerd’s recovery will be swift.

His absence, even if temporary, threatens to disrupt the team’s momentum during one of the most crucial stretches of their campaign.

Aguerd’s situation highlights the fine margins in elite football, where the loss of a key player can significantly alter the trajectory of a season.

For both Real Sociedad and Morocco, the coming days will be pivotal in determining how they navigate this unexpected setback.