Marseille, France – Olympique de Marseille defender Nayef Aguerd will undergo surgery on Thursday, March 12, 2026, to address a persistent pubalgia, the club announced Wednesday. The injury has hampered the Moroccan international for several months, ultimately requiring an intervention to restore him to full fitness.
The 29-year-old Aguerd has been battling the pubalgia – inflammation of the adductor muscle – since the autumn of 2025, even before participating in the Africa Cup of Nations. Whereas he attempted to play through the discomfort upon his return to the club in January, the pain became increasingly debilitating, impacting his performance and necessitating a more definitive solution. The decision to proceed with surgery followed consultations with the club’s medical staff and sporting directors.
“Despite the conservative care put in place by the club’s medical staff, the evolution of the pathology led to the decision of an operation which became unavoidable,” Olympique de Marseille stated in an official communiqué. The club emphasized that Aguerd will begin a rehabilitation protocol under the supervision of the OM medical team following the procedure.
Aguerd was absent from Marseille’s 1-0 victory over Toulouse on Saturday, a clear indication of the severity of his condition. Pubalgia is a common ailment among footballers, often causing groin pain and limiting mobility. It can significantly affect a player’s ability to sprint, change direction, and kick effectively.
The timing of the surgery is particularly challenging for both Aguerd, and Marseille. The defender is eager to participate in the upcoming FIFA World Cup later this year, and Marseille are pushing for a strong finish in Ligue 1. However, the club acknowledged Aguerd’s determination to return to the pitch as quickly as possible, stating he will “do everything possible to return to the field as soon as possible to participate in the final sprint of the season with OM.”
While a precise recovery timeline remains uncertain, the March surgery and subsequent rehabilitation program are designed to get Aguerd back on the field before the end of the Ligue 1 season in mid-May. The international break in March will provide a window for the initial stages of his recovery. However, a return to competitive play will depend on his progress and response to treatment.
Aguerd joined Olympique de Marseille last summer for approximately €20 million from West Ham United. He has quickly become a key figure in the Marseille defense, and his absence will be keenly felt. His leadership and aerial ability will be particularly missed as the team navigates a crucial period in the league campaign.
The club has pledged its full support to Aguerd throughout his recovery. “The club will provide its full support to Nayef during his convalescence,” the statement read. This commitment underscores the importance of Aguerd to the team and the club’s desire to see him return to action as soon as safely possible.
For Marseille, Aguerd’s surgery presents a tactical challenge. Coach will need to adjust his defensive lineup and potentially rely on other players to fill the void left by the Moroccan international. The team will also need to manage the workload of its remaining defenders to avoid further injuries.
The situation also impacts the Moroccan national team. Aguerd’s participation in the World Cup was already uncertain due to the injury, but the surgery further complicates matters. The Lions of the Atlas, now under the direction of Mohamed Ouahbi, will be hoping for a swift and complete recovery for one of their key players. They are scheduled to face Brazil, Haiti, and Scotland in the group stage.
Aguerd’s surgery is a setback for both club and country, but the focus now shifts to his rehabilitation and eventual return to the field. The club and player remain optimistic that he will be able to contribute to Marseille’s season and represent Morocco at the World Cup, should his recovery progress as planned.
Olympique de Marseille will provide further updates on Aguerd’s condition as his recovery progresses. The next confirmed checkpoint is the post-operative evaluation scheduled for early April, which will provide a clearer indication of his rehabilitation timeline.
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