Maccabi Tel Aviv Prepares for Super Cup Amidst Injury Concerns

Maccabi Tel Aviv is set to face Hapoel Tel Aviv in the first derby of the season for the Social Super Cup, aiming to start the year with a title after losing last year's competition. The team's home arena is expected to be full, with 4,000 Maccabi fans anticipated to attend. The team has undergone training camp and played four preparatory games, including matches in Israel against Bnei Herzliya and Maccabi Rishon LeZion, and a tournament in Cyprus against Aris Thessaloniki and Olympiacos.

Maccabi is prioritizing player health, especially with the EuroLeague season beginning in a week. Key players like J'Covan Brown and Daniel Theis are doubtful for the game due to hamstring and ankle issues, respectively. Forward Ozzie Brissett is also questionable with a minor knee injury sustained during a preparation game. Final decisions on Theis and Brissett will be made closer to game time, but all three are unlikely to play as the club focuses on their recovery for the upcoming EuroLeague campaign.

Guard Guy Lavie continues his rehabilitation from a serious knee injury and has no certain return date. However, T.J. Leaf is cleared to play after recovering from shoulder surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation, though he will have a minutes restriction. Yam Madar, who recently recovered from a knee injury, will make his official debut for the team. The coaching staff also faces a decision between new "naturalized" players Will Rayman and Shane Hunter, as only one can be registered for the game.