West Ham’s new recruit Aguerd undergoes ankle surgery

West Ham United’s new signing Nayef Aguerd has had ankle surgery after sustaining an injury in their pre-season friendly against Rangers last week, the Premier League club said on Monday.

The 26-year-old Moroccan international defender joined the London club from French side Rennes last month for a fee that British media reported was around 30 million pounds ($36.14 million) including add-ons.

Aguerd limped off injured during the first half of their 3-1 defeat by Scottish Premiership side Rangers, leaving him a major doubt for the start of the new season.

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“West Ham United can confirm that Aguerd has had successful surgery on the ankle injury,” West Ham said in a statement. “The Moroccan defender will now continue his rehabilitation at Rush Green with the club’s medical team.”

Aguerd was a key figure for Rennes last season, making 40 appearances in all competitions as they finished fourth in Ligue 1 and reached the last 16 of the Europa Conference League.