Maccabi Haifa Prepares for Upcoming Match Amidst Player Updates

Maccabi Haifa is set to resume training for their upcoming Saturday match against Ironi Tiberias, buoyed by a recent 4-0 victory over Kiryat Shmona and the successful debut of Pedro Brazão. The team currently holds nine points out of a possible twelve, placing them second in the league standings after four rounds. Their next three fixtures against Ironi Tiberias (home), Hapoel Jerusalem (away), and Maccabi Petah Tikva (away) are considered favorable.

Coach Barak Bakhar is expected to maintain a largely unchanged starting lineup from the previous game, with captain Kanga Hoarau being the only player potentially challenging for a starting spot after being benched for the last two matches. In recent weeks, Maccabi Haifa explored signing a left-back, with inquiries made about Lucas Baros of Vojvodina and Kenneth Paal of Antalyaspor, but these efforts did not materialize.

The club has the option to sign a free agent left-back, with Israeli player Yahav Gurfinkel, who recently terminated his contract in Cyprus, being the only relevant domestic option. Meanwhile, left-back Pierre Cornud is anticipated to return to training in approximately two months following a serious knee injury. The club is monitoring his rehabilitation closely. Currently, Kenny Saïf and Tsunami will cover the left-back position until Cornud's return or a decision is made to recruit a new player for the role.