Nayef Aguerd, a defender for Morocco, reacts during the first half of the round of 16 match against Spain at Education City Stadium in 2022.
Nayef Aguerd, a crucial member of Morocco’s defense, limped off in tears after the last-16 victory over Spain, and now faces a race against time to recover in time for Saturday’s World Cup quarterfinal against Portugal.
Aguerd has been a key member of Morocco’s surprise run to the last eight, making it the first Arab nation to do so. Team officials said Aguerd will need extensive treatment for a suspected thigh injury before they can determine whether he will be ready for the weekend.
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When he was removed off the pitch toward the end of the 90 minutes against Spain, the center back was inconsolable. After extra time, Morocco managed to hold out for a scoreless tie before winning the penalty shootout that followed the game.
After joining West Ham United from French club Stade Rennais for approximately 30 million pounds ($36.50 million), the 26-year-old has struggled with injuries this season.
He underwent surgery after suffering an ankle injury during a preseason friendly against Rangers, returned to play in a League Cup game the following month, and then served as a substitute for 75 minutes of West Ham’s final Premier League match against Leicester City on November 12.
After the physical strain of the Spain victory, Morocco offered their players a second day of rest on Thursday.
Sofyan Amrabat, a midfielder, said after Tuesday’s victory in a sad televised appearance that he played despite having a back problem.
“I did everything I could to play and worked with the physio till three in the morning. I ultimately needed an injection to play. I really couldn’t let my country and those guys down,” he stated.
Romain Saiss, the captain of Morocco, struggled against Spain in the end and received bandages but still managed to win the game.