Ofri Arad May Shift to Defense for Steaua Bucharest Amid Injury Crisis

Steaua Bucharest is facing a defensive shortage early in the new season, compounded by a disappointing 2-1 loss to city rivals Dinamo Bucharest on Saturday. The team is particularly struggling with its center-backs, as Siabonga Ng'azana and Mihai Popescu are injured. This leaves only two natural center-backs available: Joyskim Dawa and Andre Duarte. Duarte received a red card in the derby and will miss the next league match.

In light of these absences, Ofri Arad is being considered for a role in central defense. Arad previously played as a center-back for Maccabi Haifa in Israel, winning a championship there alongside Bogdan Planic. Steaua's professional manager, Mihai Stoica, confirmed Arad's potential move, noting his past success in the position and stating that Joao Paulo is not being considered as a backup option for defense.

Arad has played as a central midfielder in all his appearances for Steaua this season, starting one game and coming off the bench three times. However, he is now likely to return to the heart of the defense, marking his first time playing in that position in Romania.