Nayef Aguerd’s Injury Deals Huge Blow to Morocco’s AFCON

Rabat – Walid Regragui’s preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have been thrown into uncertainty as Nayef Aguerd was forced off the field due to injury during the Copa del Rey semi-final return leg last Tuesday.

This injury could complicate Regragui’s plans for the upcoming continental tournament, requiring him to reassess his options as the competition draws near.

Converging reports suggest that Regragui immediately reached out to Aguerd after the match, expressing concern over the injury.

A source within the Lions of the Atlas’ technical staff notably told the website The New Arab that Regragui instructed the Moroccan team’s doctor, Christophe Baudot, to closely monitor Aguerd’s condition and stay in contact with Real Sociedad’s medical team.

The injury occurred in the 27th minute of the match between Real Sociedad and Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu. Aguerd, a key figure in both Real Sociedad’s defense and Morocco’s central defense, had to leave the pitch early.

The match ended in a 4-4 draw after extra time, with Real Madrid advancing 1-0 on aggregate. While Madrid’s victory secured their place in the final, Aguerd’s injury became the main concern for Regragui and the national team.

Real Sociedad has yet to provide further details on the severity of Aguerd’s injury. However, given his history of recurring injury problems, there are growing concerns that he could be sidelined for several weeks.

If medical tests reveal that surgery is needed, Aguerd’s season – and potentially his participation in AFCON 2025 – could be in jeopardy.

This injury comes at a time when Morocco’s central defense has already shown signs of vulnerability. During the national team’s most recent camp, the right side of the defense, where Jawad El Yamiq has filled in, raised concerns. With the likelihood of Aguerd’s unavailability for months, Regragui faces an even more challenging task as he prepares for the 2025 AFCON.

If Aguerd requires surgery and misses the tournament, Regragui will need to reconsider his defensive options. As he often says: “With a strong attack, you win matches, but with a solid defense, you win titles.”

Losing Aguerd, a key defensive pillar, would be a significant setback for Morocco’s hopes of success in the continental competition.

Meanwhile, Morocco’s national team has climbed two spots to 12th in the latest FIFA World Rankings, following recent victories against Niger and Tanzania.

The team earned an additional 6.06 points, bringing their total to 1,694.24 points for April.

This rise coincided with setbacks for Uruguay and Colombia, who both dropped two positions in the rankings.