West Ham United have received a big fitness boost, as new defender Nayef Aguerd was spotted back in training.
The Moroccan centre-back has missed the entirety of this season with an ankle injury suffered in pre-season.
Aguerd arrived at West Ham from Rennes for £30m and was David Moyes’ first new signing of the summer.
The excitement quickly wore off when Aguerd went down injured against Rangers, and required ankle surgery.
Moyes said at the time that Aguerd would hopefully be available for West Ham’s trips to Liverpool and Manchester United.
Seeing Aguerd back in training suggests that Moyes may be able to call on the 26-year-old in the near future.
Moyes has previously said he’s been ‘really impressed with Nayef’s character and attitude’.
He’ll be hoping he can call on Aguerd to feature in the very near future.
Aguerd back in training
The Moroccan took to Instagram yesterday to post a picture of him training alongside his teammates.
Aguerd posted with the caption, “Happy to be back on the pitch. Loading…”.
His update really excited plenty of his Hammers teammates.
Gianluca Scamacca loved the update from his new teammate, as did goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, who posted a love heart emoji.
Jarrod Bowen was equally happy to see Aguerd back in training.
Aguerd’s injury forced West Ham back into the market this summer to find another centre-back.
Thilo Kehrer arrived at the London Stadium from PSG, and has already impressed in claret and blue.
It won’t be straightforward for Aguerd to break into the West Ham side once fully fit.
Craig Dawson has also recovered from a knock picked up in pre-season, and stepped straight back into Moyes’ line-up.
The decision has surprised Troy Deeney, who wasn’t sure Dawson would be given a chance this season.
Aguerd has plenty of competition, but will be happy he’s returned to training and given himself a chance to play.
West Ham’s participation in the Europa Conference League could give Aguerd the perfect platform to break into the side.