West Ham handed ‘sucker punch’ as insider news confirms Nayef Aguerd ‘worst fears’ – pundit
Noel Whelan has claimed West Ham will have to conduct a defensive “reshuffle” before the Premier League kicks off after a “sucker punch” injury to Nayef Aguerd.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed an injury layoff will have been the 26-year-old’s “worst fear” prior to making the move to the London Stadium.
West Ham have confirmed (25 July) that £29.6million summer arrival Aguerd has undergone successful surgery on an ankle injury sustained in pre-season.
According to Hammers insider ExWHUEmployee (via his Patreon, 25 July), club chiefs are “fearful” that the centre-back could be ruled out until the World Cup – which kicks off on 21 November.
Other defensive options for David Moyes’ side include Issa Diop, who is the subject of interest from Fulham, and Angelo Ogbonna, who has recently returned from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Whelan highlighted the importance of pre-season as the former Rennes ace looks to “get to grasps” with the English game.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “Pre-season is so important, and it’s vital that you get through it – especially as a new player.
“Your worst fear is picking up any injuries – whether you’ve been there years or if you’ve just arrived.
“This is not the start he will have wanted at West Ham. It’s a sucker punch because you want to get to grasps with the English game, and the pace of the game – so he’ll be very frustrated.
“For David Moyes and Aguerd, this is certainly not how they envisioned it when they brought him in.
“They are going to need to do a bit of reshuffling now before the season starts.”
In other news, pundit issues Ben Brereton Diaz warning after West Ham transfer report.