Maccabi Netanya Defender Khvadzhiani Suffers Knee Injury in Training

Maccabi Netanya's Georgian defender, Saba Khvadzhiani, has suffered another knee injury during training, just as he was nearing a return from a lengthy layoff. Khvadzhiani, who had been out for over a year after undergoing surgery for a torn cruciate ligament, felt a sharp pain in the same knee during Saturday's practice session due to an awkward movement. Teammates reported the incident, and the player is scheduled for further medical examinations on Sunday to determine the severity of the injury and whether it will require another extended period of rehabilitation.

Khvadzhiani was not initially in coach Roni Levy's plans but was expected to remain with the team and potentially get playing time until a foreign defender was signed. Meanwhile, Dolev Haziza missed training due to illness. The club is also working on a compensation agreement with Itay Ben Shabbat before his potential departure, with Hapoel Petah Tikva reportedly interested in the player.

In other team news, Brazilian winger Isaac is expected to arrive in Israel on Sunday, having signed a one-year contract with the club. For the upcoming match against Hapoel Ramat Gan on Monday, Bassam Zaarura is anticipated to return to the starting lineup, replacing Maor Levi, who played the last game with an injury and has been advised to rest. Levi has not yet returned to training.