Morocco defender Naif Aguer announced Monday he will miss the World Cup group stage. The player recovered from his adductor injury but concluded with the coaching staff that his current match fitness does not meet the required standard for the tournament.
"My current level of play is insufficient to help the team as I would have liked in the group stage," Aguer said on social media. "I attempted with all my efforts to return to form and restore my best performance, unfortunately without success in the required timeframe."
"This is a disappointment, but I accept it with clarity and responsibility," he added. "Now I will be the main supporter of the national team. I wish my teammates good luck at this World Cup."
Morocco's defensive depth faces additional pressure in Group F without Aguer's availability, potentially affecting the team's resilience in early tournament matches.