Morocco's Nayef Aguerd faces extended absence, potentially missing 2026 World Cup

Morocco and Olympique de Marseille may be without key defender Nayef Aguerd until at least next summer, according to European sports sites. Aguerd underwent surgery for pubalgia in March and was expected to return to play in May to help OM in their Ligue 1 top-three race. However, his situation worsened in early April due to a fractured pubis. The combination of groin pain, pubalgia effects, and the fracture is expected to keep the Moroccan international off the field longer than anticipated. Marseille's medical staff considered surgery in March, but this was not enough for a May return. Aguerd had communicated with fans in March, explaining that the surgery was necessary due to persistent pain since October, which had become a constant part of his daily life despite medical protocols. He had hoped to be ready to help Olympique de Marseille in the season's final sprint, pain-free and at 100%. Ultimately, Aguerd will likely miss OM's season finale and could also miss the upcoming FIFA World Cup. This situation opens opportunities for new defenders called up by Ouahbi, including Issa Diop, Chadi Riyad, Redouane Halhal, and Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal.