West Ham: £30m star's World Cup 'could be over' after cruel blow in Qatar | OneFootball

West Ham United star Nayef Aguerd’s ‘tournament could be over’ after the London Stadium star suffered a cruel injury at the World Cup, according to journalist Ben Dinnery.

The central defender has played a key role in Morocco reaching the quarter-finals in Qatar, but there are doubts over whether he will be able to compete in his country’s clash with Portugal on Saturday.

West Ham injury news – Nayef Aguerd

According to Football.London, West Ham first-team coach Mark Warburton has revealed that Aguerd has contacted the club and was not too concerned by his injury after being forced off during Morocco’s last 16 clash with Spain on Tuesday.

The 26-year-old was in tears after footage showed him suffering what appeared to be a groin problem following a tackle on Spain frontman Alvaro Morata.

Aguerd joined West Ham in a £30million switch from Rennes during the summer, but a long-term injury has already caused havoc since heading to east London.

He was forced to undergo surgery after sustaining an ankle issue during a pre-season friendly against Rangers.

Aguerd has been restricted to just four appearances for the Hammers as a result of his initial period on the treatment table.

What has Ben Dinnery said about Aguerd?

Dinnery believes the emotion Aguerd showed as he was replaced against Spain suggests he is fearful that his World Cup is over.

The injury expert understands that the centre-half will go through tests over the next two days, ahead of Morocco’s encounter with Portugal.

Dinnery told GIVEMESPORT: “If you’re looking at the images, there’s probably some indication that the player thinks it’s fairly serious and that his tournament could be over. Obviously, we hope that isn’t the case.

“It looks to be muscular related, potentially a groin or an adductor issue. He will be assessed over the next 24 to 48 hours.”

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How has Aguerd performed at the World Cup?

Aguerd’s importance to Morocco is emphasised by his Sofascore statistics, which show he has averaged three clearances, one tackle and as many interceptions per game at the World Cup.

He has also won 69 per cent of his duels, which has made the Atlas Lions difficult for opponents to break down.

Aguerd did not miss a single minute of the group stage, where he was invaluable in keeping two clean sheets.

The West Ham man may have gone off during the clash with Spain, but he was still a key man as Morocco booked their place in the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time.

Aguerd was handed a 6.8 match rating and completed four clearances as Luis Enrique’s outfit failed to find a breakthrough.