Major blow for Morocco: Nayef Aguerd injured and uncertain for the 2025 AFCON

The 29-year-old player was forced to leave the field in the 79th minute after feeling severe pain in his thigh. This injury is the direct consequence of a persistent groin problem that had already forced him to be rested the previous week. Coach Roberto De Zerbi did not hide his concern in the press conference. "Aguerd is the bad news today. He is still suffering from a groin problem, he felt it got worse. He will undergo tests, but he needs to rest a bit," he said.

This injury comes at the worst possible time for OM, who are losing their defensive leader in the midst of their Ligue 1 comeback and as they face crucial deadlines. The club must face decisive matches in the Champions League, a Super Cup in Kuwait against PSG, and clashes in the championship before the break.

Morocco holds its breath a month before the AFCON

But this news goes beyond the borders of Marseille, as an entire country holds its breath. Just a month before the start of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by Morocco, Nayef Aguerd’s participation is seriously compromised. An undisputed starter during the Atlas Lions’ historic run at the 2022 World Cup, he is a pillar of Walid Regragui’s selection.

This disaster scenario, added to the recent loss of Achraf Hakimi, was mentioned by Roberto De Zerbi. Visibly annoyed, the Marseille coach said: "He could miss the AFCON, there is also the Super Cup in Kuwait, even though I don’t understand why we’re going there to play."