Beitar Jerusalem Plans Gradual Return for Star Player Jordan Shua

Beitar Jerusalem is aiming to build on recent momentum as they face Maccabi Petah Tikva at Bloomfield Stadium on Tuesday. Coach Almog Cohen will be without Nana Antwi, who is expected back for the next match against Hapoel Haifa, while Yarden Cohen will return after the international break.

A key decision by Cohen involves the reintegration of Yarden Shua. The coach acknowledged that Shua was played while not fully fit, which hindered his performance and potentially harmed both the player and the team. Consequently, Shua will not start but is expected to receive significantly more playing time than in the previous game, where he only appeared in stoppage time. Cohen expressed confidence that with the right approach, Shua will regain his form from last season.

Cohen is also anticipated to make one tactical change, with Luka Gadranj set to replace Liel Deri in central defense. Adi Yona will be included in the squad. Ravid Abergil has been excluded from the matchday squad, with the club informing him he is not in their plans and is expected to find a new team.

Beitar Jerusalem expressed satisfaction with the loan signing of Ori Azoulay, with the technical staff aiming to purchase the player permanently at the end of the season, though this depends on various factors. Azoulay is expected to provide attacking impetus from the wing, and Cohen has a track record of eliciting strong performances from players that other coaches have struggled with.

A projected starting lineup includes Miguel Silva, Roi Eliyahu, Luka Gadranj, Brian Carby, Timothy Muzi, Boris Ino, Daniel Varko, Tomer Yossefi, Omer Atzili, Eugene Ansah, and Shon Weissman.