Beitar Jerusalem Faces Hapoel Haifa With Key Defensive Injuries

Beitar Jerusalem is preparing to face Hapoel Haifa on Saturday evening, but the team is grappling with significant defensive absences. Fullback Nana Owusu participated in a partial training session on Thursday but has not yet engaged in sprints or full-effort drills, making his availability for the match unlikely. Even if he were cleared to play, he would not start due to his extended absence from training. Roey Elimelech is expected to continue in Owusu's place.

Adding to the defensive concerns, left-back Jordan Cohen will also miss the game. Both of Beitar's primary fullbacks are returning after a league break. Almog Cohen has not yet practiced with the starting lineup, and this may occur during the final training session on Friday. A major question remains whether Yarden Shua will be included in the starting eleven or remain on the bench.

Alexis Serna might be available to play, but if he does, his participation is expected to be limited to approximately 30 minutes. Beitar Jerusalem enters the match on a two-game winning streak, having defeated Bnei Sakhnin and Maccabi Petah Tikva, but the team is aiming for an improved performance.