Israeli Defender Ofri Arad Tapped for Center Back Role at Steaua Bucharest

Steaua Bucharest is facing a defensive crisis, prompting a potential positional change for Israeli player Ofri Arad. The Romanian club has been hampered by injuries to center backs Cătălin Gâdea and Mihai Popescu. Adding to their woes, another natural defender, Joyskim Dawa, received a red card in a recent 2-1 derby loss to Dinamo Bucharest, leaving the team with limited options.

In response to the shortage, Steaua's professional manager, Mihai Stoica, indicated that Ofri Arad is being considered for a center-back position. Stoica recalled Arad's past experience playing as a defender, notably winning a championship with Maccabi Haifa in Israel alongside Bogdan Planic. Arad has primarily played as a central midfielder for Steaua this season, starting one match and appearing as a substitute in three others.

This potential shift would see Arad return to a defensive role for the first time since joining the Romanian club. Stoica also confirmed that João Paulo is not in the team's plans and will not be considered as a backup center-back option.