Israel National Football Team Faces Midfield Crisis Ahead of Nations League Opener

The Israeli national football team is grappling with significant midfield injuries just before their UEFA Nations League campaign begins against Austria on Thursday. Midfielder Moamed Abu Fani sustained a groin injury during the team's final training session at the Linzer Stadion and is now in serious doubt for the match. While Abu Fani was not slated to start, his absence further depletes the team's midfield options, with Ran Ben Shimon having already selected Dor Peretz and Eliel Peretz to anchor the center. The squad is already missing midfielders Gabi Kanyukovsky and Eitan Azoulay due to personal reasons.

Adding to the team's woes, Omri Gandelsman, who joined the camp with a minor injury, is training separately and is unlikely to be fit for the Austria match or the subsequent game against Ireland on Sunday. Gandelsman's potential return is only anticipated for the match against Kosovo on October 1st. Despite these setbacks, the starting lineup is otherwise expected to be consistent with recent training sessions. The defense will feature Guy Mizerachi, Idan Nachmias, Nikita Stoinov, and Roy Revivo. Dor Peretz and Eliel Peretz will be joined by Oscar Gloukh in midfield, with Anan Khalaili and Manor Solomon on the wings, and Sayed Abu Fani making his starting debut up front.

The team's first Nations League match is scheduled for Thursday at 21:45 against Austria. Israel is competing in League B, Group 3, alongside Austria, Ireland, and Kosovo. The team's full schedule includes matches against Austria on September 23rd, Ireland on September 27th, and Kosovo on October 1st.