West Ham manager David Moyes has provided an encouraging update on the fitness of Nayef Aguerd.
Following his £30m arrival from Rennes the 26-year-old centre-back quickly suffered an injury setback.
He hobbled off in a pre-season friendly against Rangers and was forced to undergo surgery on his ankle as a result but, is believed to be ‘out of his (protective) boot’.
Speaking to Football Insider, medical expert Ben Dinnery previously said that he expected Aguerd to be in contention for a place in the starting line-up at some point in October.
And Moyes has now shared a positive update surrounding the 25-cap Morocco international’s fitness.
Speaking ahead of the visit of Wolves Moyes said as relayed by the club’s official website: “We’ve got Aguerd doing a bit on the grass, so he’s back getting back outside a little more.”
With only one clean sheet in seven Premier League games to begin the season, having the £22.5m-rated Aguerd on board could help shore up the Hammers’ defence.
Moyes chastised his players for making “poor decisions” defensively as they limped over the line against Silkeborg in the Europa Conference League.
The 6 ft 1 in towering defender was instrumental in Rennes finishing fourth in Ligue 1 last season, posting a 7.05 average match rating (SofaScore).
Last season, only Jarrod Bowen (7.09) and Declan Rice (7.19) had a higher average at the Irons.
Given that his 3.66 aerial duels won per 90 minutes is far superior to that of Craig Dawson (2.95), Kurt Zouma (2.57), and Thilo Kehrer (1.33), his return to fitness can only benefit the team, but it remains to be seen whether he will play before the World Cup.
