Hapoel Beersheba has begun preparations for its first major target of the season, but the biggest question mark is midfielder Dan Biton. The club learned on Wednesday that it will face the winner of the second qualifying-round tie between Icelandic side Vikingur and Hungarian champions Gyori in the Champions League qualifiers. The first leg is scheduled for July 21 or 22, with the return match a week later.
Biton, who was one of Beersheba’s standout players last season, was diagnosed in March with viral myocarditis. He is still undergoing medical tests, and there is no final date yet for his return to action. As things stand, Beersheba does not know whether he will be available for the Champions League qualifying matches in about a month.
The team resumed training at the beginning of last week, but the medical uncertainty around Biton continues to hang over its preseason plans. In parallel, the club is still exploring options to sign a left back. Helder Lopes has started training separately for now.
Another player whose future remains unresolved is Miguel Vitor, who is currently on vacation. Beersheba is expected to make a final decision on his future after he returns.