Israel National Football Team Squad Announced for Nations League

Israel national football team coach Ran Ben Shimon has announced his squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Ireland, Kosovo, and Austria. The team faces significant defensive challenges due to injuries and unavailability, leading to the first-time call-up of Noam Steifman from Maccabi Haifa.

Several key players are absent, including Dia Saba, whose exclusion is attributed to "complexities" in Turkey, with Ben Shimon explaining that the player's potential concerns about the impact on his future influenced the decision. Stiv Toriel has also been left out, though Ben Shimon indicated he could be recalled later. Yarden Shua has been included despite controversy surrounding him at his club, Beitar Jerusalem.

The squad features four forwards from Major League Soccer (MLS), presenting Ben Shimon with the challenge of managing potential fatigue and jet lag. Sayed Abu Farchi is expected to start the first match against Austria due to arriving earlier for the team gathering. Veteran defender Eli Dasa, currently without a club, has been called up based on his proven national team performance and intensive training.

Midfielders Yarin Levy and Dor Peretz, the league's top scorer, are included, with Peretz potentially playing as a forward. Eitan Azulai, Eliel Peretz, Gabi Kanikovsky, and Moamed Abu Fani also feature in the midfield. The team will play host to Ireland and Kosovo, and travel to Austria, who will be without stars like David Alaba and Marko Arnautovic.