Maccabi Haifa Goalkeeper Omer Nirnberg Nears Return After Injury

Maccabi Haifa is preparing for the league's return and an upcoming match against Hapoel Jerusalem. Among the players stepping up their training is Omer Nirnberg, the team's second goalkeeper acquired from Maccabi Netanya last summer. Nirnberg has been sidelined since January due to a shoulder injury requiring surgery. Prior to his injury, he was a key player for Netanya, starting in 20 out of 21 games and even serving as captain in two matches. He joined Maccabi Haifa to be the backup for starting goalkeeper Omri Glazer.

In Nirnberg's absence, 19-year-old Glenn Alwyn served as the second goalkeeper, sitting on the bench for the first five league games of the season. Meanwhile, Maccabi Haifa midfielder Ali Mohamed played a full 90 minutes for Niger in their 2-0 loss to Gabon in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. This defeat could complicate Niger's chances of advancing, as they are in a group with Lesotho and Morocco, with only the top two teams qualifying for the tournament. Niger will also play a friendly against Algeria on October 6th as part of the international break.

Nirnberg's potential inclusion in the squad marks his first opportunity to be available for selection this season, signaling a significant step in his recovery process.