Nayef Aguerd’s first season with Olympique de Marseille has reportedly come to an early end after French media indicated the Moroccan international has suffered a pubic bone fracture, ruling him out for the remainder of the campaign.
The 30-year-old defender had already been sidelined in recent weeks with persistent groin pain, before undergoing surgery for pubalgia on March 12 in an attempt to solve the issue and return for the decisive final stretch of the season. However, his recovery has not progressed as initially hoped.
The most recent medical examinations reportedly confirmed a fracture in the pubic area, forcing Marseille to shut the player down for the rest of the season. The setback is a major blow for both club and country, with Aguerd having established himself as one of OM’s defensive leaders since arriving in France.
Failed comeback after March surgery
When Marseille announced Aguerd’s operation last month, the expectation was that he could return within several weeks and still contribute during the closing phase of the Ligue 1 season.
Aguerd himself had spoken publicly about months of daily pain and expressed hope of coming back fully fit to help the team. Instead, the rehabilitation process has now ended with a more serious diagnosis.
Concern for Morocco ahead of international fixtures
The timing also raises concern for Morocco. Aguerd was a key player of the national team defense under Walid Regragui and now it will most likely remain the case now for the Atlas Lions under coach Mohamed Ouahbi.
While the defender is not automatically ruled out of future international selection, he now faces a race to regain full fitness and match sharpness after an extended absence. Marseille are also expected to proceed cautiously given the nature of the injury.
Read also: ‘Now It’s Time for Rest and Recovery’’: Nayef Aguerd Undergoes Successful Surgery
