Maccabi Tel Aviv Faces Hapoel Tel Aviv in Derby Amid Injury Concerns

Maccabi Tel Aviv has returned from a preparation tournament in Cyprus, where they played against Aris Thessaloniki and Olympiacos. The team is satisfied with their training camp and the tournament, focusing on player chemistry, integrating new members, and implementing game strategies rather than tournament results. The club values the continuity of players from the previous season, which aids team dynamics.

Maccabi's first official game of the season is a highly anticipated derby against Hapoel Tel Aviv for the Social Super Cup on Thursday. The team is managing several player injuries ahead of this crucial match.

Yam Madar sustained a minor knee injury but is expected to be available for the derby. Oshae Brissett also experienced knee discomfort and is being rested. Jimmy Clark has a partial hamstring tear and is a significant doubt for the game, having missed the preparation matches but participating in controlled training.

TJ Leaf is set to return to play after a long recovery from shoulder surgery in February 2025, with a minute restriction. Daniel Theis is experiencing ankle discomfort from a collision during a national team game and is resting, though he expressed eagerness to play in the derby, which will be his official debut for the team. Gur Lavi is still recovering from a knee injury and will not start the season, with a gradual return planned.