Veteran Defender Miguel Vitor Eyed for Israel National Team Amid Injury Crisis

Israel national team coach Ran Ben Shimon is considering recalling veteran defender Miguel Vitor for the upcoming matches 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 players Itay Rotman, Or Bilorian, and Stav Lemkin have forced a reassessment. The coaching staff acknowledges that Vitor's age means he cannot play every game, but they hope he can contribute at least in the first match against Austria and potentially the subsequent game against Kosovo. It is estimated that Lemkin will be fit for the third match against Ireland.

"This is a headache we've never had before. Starting center-backs injured right before the campaign starts is a disaster," sources within the national team stated. Despite the concerns, they added, "Nikita Stoyanov and Idan Nachmias are fit, and we will proceed with them." Other players potentially available include Raz Shlomo, and possibly Eli Dasa, who could be called up and play as a center-back in a different formation. There have also been discussions about recalling Uri Dahan or Sean Goldberg.

Ben Shimon is scheduled to announce the squad on Thursday for the games against Austria, Kosovo, and two matches against Ireland. The team will fly out early next week and observe Yom Kippur in Austria. Players from Major League Soccer, including Tai Baribo, Liel Abada, Idan Toklomaty, and Dor Turgeman, will arrive only on Wednesday, the day before the first game. Sayed Abu Farhi is the only MLS player arriving earlier, as he is permitted to travel on Yom Kippur. Players less affected by jet lag are expected to play.