David Moyes is left sweating over the fitness of £28m signing Nayef Aguerd after the Moroccan suffered an ankle injury in West Ham’s pre-season defeat to Rangers… meaning he could miss the start of the new Premier League season
- Nayef Aguerd pulled up with an injury in West Ham’s pre-season loss to Rangers
- David Moyes is now concerned about possible ligament damage to his ankle
- Defenders Craig Dawson and Angelo Ogbonna are also struggling with problems
- Injuries may scupper the Hammers’ plans to let centre-back Issa Diop depart
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West Ham‘s summer signing Nayef Aguerd could be an injury doubt ahead of the new Premier League season, having suffered an ankle injury in their pre-season defeat to Rangers on Tuesday.
The £28million recruit from Rennes lasted just 23 minutes in the friendly at Ibrox before being helped off the pitch by Hammers medical staff.
An X-ray has confirmed Aguerd has not suffered any fractures in his ankle, but speaking after the 3-1 defeat manager David Moyes shared his concerns over possible ligament damage.
West Ham’s new Moroccan defender Nayef Aguerd could miss the start of the season
The 26-year-old suffered no break in his ankle but there is fear over possible ligament damage
‘We’ve already had Nayef X-rayed and there’s no break in his ankle, which is good news,’ Moyes said. ‘It might be some ligaments, or he’s twisted his ankle – it blew up immediately so we have to hope it’s not a problem.’
West Ham currently have five senior centre-backs on their books, but Craig Dawson has been suffering with his own injury during pre-season, while Angelo Ogbonna has only just returned following an ACL issue he suffered in November.
The possible injury to Aguerd could also mean a rethink on the future of Issa Diop, who has been the subject of interest from London neighbours Fulham.
Aguerd cost West Ham £28million and was signed from French side Rennes last month
David Moyes watched his West Ham team go down 3-1 to Rangers in a pre-season friendly
However, if Aguerd’s injury results in a lengthy period on the sidelines for the Moroccan defender, Moyes maybe forced to alter his transfer strategy and keep £20million rated Diop at the club.
The Scot will be wary for his side to avoid a repeat of the same defensive issues they had last season, which ultimately ended up derailing the Hammers’ campaign.
Moyes watched on as his West Ham team suffered defeat against Rangers thanks to goals from Tom Lawrence, Ryan Kent and Rabbi Matondo. Tomas Soucek pulled one back from a corner for the visitors.
Tomas Soucek scored a consolation goal for West Ham during their pre-season loss to Rangers
Along with Aguerd, so far this summer West Ham have added Swansea midfielder Flynn Downes and agreed a permanent deal for goalkeeper Alphonse Areola from PSG.
They remain in talks with Jesse Lingard’s team in a hope to bring the England man back to the London Stadium and are also still keen on recruiting Chelsea’s in-demand striker Armando Broja.
West Ham begin their Premier League campaign away at champions Manchester City on Sunday August 7.
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