However, he did not travel to join up with the Moroccan squad during the break after suffering a groin injury. Reports from L’Equipe have suggested that Aguerd, who had been linked with a potential move to St James’ Park before he joined West Ham in 2024, has already been ruled-out of Marseille’s clash with Nice on Friday night and is regarded as a major doubt to feature against Eddie Howe’s side on Tuesday.

Marseille v Newcastle United – official injury update

An update posted by Marseille on the club’s website revealed that Aguerd was suffering with ‘pubalgia’ – an injury which has seen the likes of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams miss matches against Newcastle United this season.

That update read: ‘Onset of pubalgia. Specific treatment has been implemented to limit symptoms and support a gradual return to play. Regular communication is taking place with the medical staff of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.’

Aguerd played three matches for the Hammers against Newcastle United during his time in England, but never emerged on the winning side. Aguerd was part of the Hammers defence as they drew 1-1 with the Magpies at St James’ Park in February 2023, just weeks before Newcastle’s Carabao Cup final against Manchester United.

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He was also part of the Hammers team which shared four goals with Newcastle United in October of that year as a late Mohamed Kudus strike rescued a point for West Ham at the London Stadium. However, Aguerd was also part of the Hammers team that were humbled 5-1 at home in April 2023.

The Moroccan international was directly responsible for Callum Wilson’s strike just after half-time in that game, though, losing the ball in a dangerous area before Wilson had the simple task of prodding home into an empty net against his future employers.

Aguerd’s possible absence on Tuesday night could hand former Burnley man CJ Egan-Riley the chance to start. Egan-Riley replaced Aguerd during their last outing and could be at the forefront of De Zerbi’s plans next week.

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The former Brighton boss favours a back-five formation at Marseille with Benjamin Pavard and Emerson having partnered Aguerd against Stade Brestois earlier this month. Marseille currently sit second in Ligue 1, trailing leaders PSG by just two points after 12 games.

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However, they have struggled in this season’s Champions League and currently sit 25th in the league phase table.

De Zerbi’s side have been beaten by Real Madrid, Sporting CP and Atalanta so far this season, with the latest of those defeats coming at home. Their sole win in the Champions League so far this season came against Ajax, the competition’s basement club.