Israel National Football Team Considers 37-Year-Old Miguel Vitor Amidst Defensive Injuries

Israel national football team coach Ran Ben Shimon is considering calling up veteran defender Miguel Vitor, 37, to the squad due to a series of injuries to key players. Vitor, a player for Hapoel Be'er Sheva, celebrated his 37th birthday in June and was not initially part of the team's plans. However, the injuries to 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 in all matches but hopes he can participate in at least the first game against Austria and potentially the subsequent match against Kosovo. Lemkin is expected to be fit for the third game 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 begins is a disaster," sources within the team stated. Despite the concerns, they added, "Nikita Stoyanov and Idan Nachmias are fit, and we will proceed with them." Additionally, Raz Shlomo will return to the national team, and in certain formations, Eli Dasa could also play as a center-back.

Discussions have also included potentially recalling former national team members Ori Dahan or Sean Goldberg. Ben Shimon is set to announce the squad for the upcoming matches against Austria, Kosovo, and Ireland on Thursday. 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, a day before the first match, with those less affected by jet lag expected to play. Sayed Abu Farchi is the only MLS player arriving earlier, as he is permitted to travel on Yom Kippur.