Maccabi Tel Aviv Faces Injury Concerns Ahead of Derby Clash

Maccabi Tel Aviv is assessing the fitness of several players as they prepare for their upcoming derby match against Hapoel Tel Aviv on Thursday, which will decide the first trophy of the season, the Social Super Cup. The team recently returned from a preparation tournament in Cyprus, where they secured a win against Aris Thessaloniki (92-87) and a loss to Olympiacos (72-77). While the results were secondary, the club expressed satisfaction with the team's chemistry, the integration of new players, and their overall progress during the training camp and tournament.

Several players are dealing with injuries. Yam Madar sustained a minor knee contusion during the Olympiacos game but is expected to be available for the derby. Oshae Brissett also experienced knee discomfort and is being rested as a precaution. Jimmy Clark, who has a partial hamstring tear, did not participate in the preparation games and is considered a significant doubt for the derby, though he has been training under supervision.

T.J. Leaf is set to make his first appearance since February 2025 after recovering from shoulder surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation. He has been cleared to play with a minutes restriction and has impressed the coaching and medical staff with his performance post-injury. Daniel Theis is experiencing ankle discomfort stemming from an injury during the international break with Germany and will miss the derby, though he is eager to play his first official game for the team soon. Gur Lavi remains sidelined with a knee injury and is continuing his rehabilitation, with his return to play expected to be gradual and safe.