Dia Saba Unlikely to Join Israel National Team Amid Turkey Tensions

Dia Saba is not expected to be called up for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches for the Israel national football team due to the ongoing tensions between Turkey and Israel. National team coach Ran Ben Shimon, who is currently assembling his squad for four upcoming games against Ireland, Austria, and Kosovo starting September 24, is keen to include Saba.

Saba, a former Maccabi Haifa player, is in excellent form for Turkish club Umraniyespor, which has had a strong start to its league season. Ben Shimon has spoken with Saba twice and understands his difficult situation. "It's not simple to be an Israel national team player currently playing in the Turkish league," admitted a source within the Football Association.

While Ben Shimon has conveyed his desire for Saba to join the squad, he recognizes that Saba may be unable to participate because of the current political climate, where playing for Israel is viewed unfavorably in Turkey. Saba has requested a few more days to make a decision, but the Football Association and the national team anticipate he will not be part of the upcoming camp, and potentially not as long as he remains in Turkey.

In related news, the national team is closely monitoring the condition of Stav Lemkin, hoping for his recovery and return to play in the Netherlands and for Israel. If Lemkin misses the Nations League games, a competition for his spot is expected between Or Blorian and Idan Nahmias, while Nikita Stoyanov appears to have secured his position as a left-sided center-back.