Israel National Football Team Considers Veteran Miguel Vitor Amid Defensive Injuries

Israel national football team coach Ran Ben Shimon is reportedly considering a surprise return for 37-year-old defender Miguel Vitor due to a severe injury crisis at the center-back position. Vitor, who celebrated his 37th birthday in June, was not initially in the team's plans. However, injuries to key defenders Itay Rotman, Or Blorian, and Stav Lemkin have forced a reassessment.

The coaching staff acknowledges that Vitor, at his age, may not be able to play every minute but hopes he can contribute to at least the first match against Austria and potentially the subsequent game against Kosovo. Lemkin is expected to be fit for the third match against Ireland, which will be held in Debrecen.

"This is a headache we've never had before. Starting center-backs injured right before the campaign starts is a disaster," sources within the team stated. Despite the crisis, they expressed confidence in the available players, Nikita Stoyanov and Idan Nachmias, who are fit. Raz Shlomo is also set to return to the national team.

In certain scenarios, Eli Dasa, who could be called up, might also play as a center-back in a different formation. The team is also reportedly considering recalling former players like Uri Dahan or Sean Goldberg. Ben Shimon is scheduled to announce his squad on Thursday for the upcoming matches against Austria, Kosovo, and Ireland.

The team will depart early next week and observe Yom Kippur in Austria. Players from Major League Soccer, including Tai Baribo, Liel Abada, Idan Toklomati, and Dor Turgeman, will arrive only on Wednesday, the day before the first game. Sayed Abu Farchi is the only MLS player arriving earlier, as he is permitted to travel on Yom Kippur.