Hapoel Petah Tikva Faces Injury Woes and Transfer Uncertainty

Hapoel Petah Tikva is concerned following a brutal tackle on forward Franck Ribelin during their loss to Maccabi Haifa. Ribelin will undergo an MRI on Sunday after experiencing difficulty walking and sleeping due to the knee injury. Club officials expressed frustration that the foul only resulted in a yellow card, questioning how such an incident was not deemed a red card offense. Coach Omer Peretz acknowledged the team's need for reinforcements, especially after the sale of Chipiunga Songo, which brought in 700,000 euros.

The club is also navigating the potential transfer of Yoni Stoyanov, who reportedly prefers Hapoel Petah Tikva over Maccabi Petah Tikva, another interested club. Alona Barkat is willing to loan Stoyanov without a transfer fee, provided Hapoel Petah Tikva assumes his full contract, which includes a net salary of approximately 32,000 shekels per month plus potential bonuses. Hamido Keita is expected to sign on Sunday and is seen as Songo's replacement.

Meanwhile, midfielder Diego Arroyo's inclusion in the starting lineup over Roi David surprised some players, given Arroyo's lack of match fitness. David, who came on in the second half, performed well and might return to the starting lineup, as could Shavit Mazal. Guy Badash was again not included in the squad, and with the current three-center-back formation, significant playing time is not anticipated for him.