West Ham United feel defender Nayef Aguerd getting a run in the team could be "season-defining" for them, according to journalist Dean Jones.
The 26-year-old has had some injury problems but has recovered in time for Morocco's World Cup campaign, and Jones says the Hammers are now praying that he comes back to the London Stadium in one piece.
How have things gone for Aguerd this term?
While Aguerd will be pleased that he has made Morocco's World Cup squad, the centre-half will not be happy about what happened before he left for Qatar.
He joined West Ham in the summer in a £30m deal (via BBC Sport) but has barely played any football for his new side.
The former Rennes man picked up an ankle injury early into his Hammers career and has missed most of his team's 2022/23 campaign so far as a result.
West Ham will now be hoping that there are no further setbacks in Qatar.
What has Jones said about Aguerd and West Ham?
Jones has told GIVEMESPORT that West Ham, who are currently 16th in the table, believe that having Aguerd fit for the second half of the season could transform their campaign.
Speaking to GMS, the journalist said: "They'll probably have a couple of heart in mouth moments if he goes down at all. They are desperate to get this lad regularly into their team.
"They really feel it could be season-defining if he can have a long run in the side for them, so they just want him to get through this World Cup unscathed."
Can Aguerd help West Ham to turn things around?
When you look at some of West Ham's numbers this season, you can make an argument that they actually have not felt the absence of their summer signing.
The Hammers have only conceded 17 goals in the Premier League so far, which is one of the best records in the division. For context, Liverpool and Chelsea have let in the same amount, while Manchester United have done even worse in that department (via WhoScored).
Rather, where West Ham are really struggling is in attack. Their 12 strikes mean only three teams, Everton, Nottingham Forest and Wolves have found the back of the net on fewer occasions.
Ultimately, then, Aguerd's return alone is probably not going to completely transform West Ham's season. To do that, it is quite clear that David Moyes needs to get more goals out of his side.
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