Beitar Jerusalem Faces Defensive Crisis Ahead of Hapoel Tel Aviv Clash

Beitar Jerusalem is grappling with a severe injury crisis in its defense ahead of their upcoming match against Hapoel Tel Aviv at Bloomfield Stadium. The team will be significantly short-handed at the back due to multiple players being sidelined.

Key defenders Nana Antwi and Samuel Kalu are both out with injuries sustained in the last game, and Yarden Cohen and Gil Cohen remain unavailable. This leaves Beitar Jerusalem with only five fit defenders, forcing coach Almog Cohen to consider calling up a youth player for backup. Additionally, defender Ori Dahan has been released from the club and cleared to join Bnei Sakhnin.

Meanwhile, Hapoel Tel Aviv, who are coming off a goalless draw against Hapoel Haifa, will be without the suspended Omri Altman. However, coach Eliniv Barda is expected to field the same starting eleven as in their previous match, with Alkokin retaining his spot after a strong start to the season.

Beitar Jerusalem's coach, Almog Cohen, acknowledged the team's recent poor performance, a 4-1 loss to Maccabi Netanya at the same stadium. He emphasized the need to return to basics, focusing on hard work and running, and expressed confidence that results will improve. Cohen also addressed criticism of striker Sean Weissman, stating that it takes time for forwards to integrate and that he believes Weissman will eventually deliver.

Cohen, who celebrated his birthday by analyzing Hapoel Tel Aviv's tactics, expressed a strong desire for a win, viewing it as the ideal birthday gift. He stated that the pressure only motivates him further, but ultimately, results are what matter.