Soccer Football - Pre Season Friendly - Rangers v West Ham United - Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain - July 19, 2022 Rangers' Antonio Colak in action with West Ham United's Nayef Aguerd REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
West Ham United have been handed a late injury boost, as club insiders Claret & Hugh report Nayef Aguerd may be available to play against Tottenham Hotspur this afternoon.
The Lowdown: Injury problems
After arriving in the summer for a fee of £30m, Aguerd has suffered with persistent injury problems in his first campaign at the London Stadium, initially missing 19 games because of an ankle issue sustained in pre-season.
The centre-back had since returned to the first team, making six appearances in the Premier League, however he was withdrawn with a groin problem against Chelsea last weekend, leading to concern from West Ham fans about the severity of the injury.
The Latest: Late fitness test planned
According to a report from Claret & Hugh, the Moroccan is scheduled to undergo a late fitness test, in order to assess whether he is available for the trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
A source tells the club insiders that it is ‘fifty-fifty’ whether the 26-year-old is available for selection, which is an improvement on an earlier update, in which it was detailed that he could be out for weeks.
The Verdict: Boost for Moyes
Hailed as ‘phenomenal’ by members of the media, the defender has also been praised by Moyes since making his return from his initial injury, and for good reason, given the level of his performances.
The 6 foot 3 titan particularly impressed in the vital 2-0 win against Everton, making ten clearances and five tackles to keep the Toffees at bay, with the latter figure recorded as the highest amount managed by any West Ham player on the day.
It was the same story against Newcastle United, with the colossus proving he has what it takes to go toe-to-toe with attackers from one of the better teams in the Premier League, winning a total of six duels.
Given that the West Ham defence are tasked with keeping Harry Kane quiet later today, Moyes will need his best players available, and he will now be hoping that Aguerd passes the late fitness test.
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