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 Ciaobanga Ngazana and Mihai Popescu. With only two natural center backs remaining, one of whom, Joyskim Dawa, is available, and the other, Andre Duarte, suspended after a red card in the recent derby loss to Dinamo Bucharest, the team is forced to improvise.

Club official Mihai Stoica suggested that Arad, who previously played as a center back and won a championship with Maccabi Haifa in Israel, could fill the void. "We have Ofri Arad, who played as a center back and won a championship with Maccabi Haifa in Israel," Stoica stated, recalling Arad's previous partnership with Bogdan Planic. Stoica also confirmed that Joao Paulo is not being considered for the defensive position.

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 move would see him return to the center of defense for the first time since joining the club in Romania.