Maccabi Haifa Faces Defensive Uncertainty Ahead of Hapoel Jerusalem Clash

Maccabi Haifa concluded a preparatory match against Hapoel Kfar Saba from the National League with a 2-2 draw, a game where the team's defensive shortcomings were highlighted due to the absence of its four main center-backs. Nigel Lonwijk and Tsunami were sidelined with muscle sensitivity, Sean Goldberg was ill, and Noam Steifman was with the youth national team. Lonwijk is expected to return to training on Saturday, along with Goldberg and Steifman. However, Tsunami's return date is uncertain, potentially causing him to miss the upcoming match against Hapoel Jerusalem. If Tsunami is unavailable, Lonwijk and Steifman are likely to form the central defensive partnership.

Goalkeeper Omer Niron appears to have recovered from a previous injury, playing for the first time since January and is expected to be available for the Hapoel Jerusalem game. He conceded only one goal from a penalty during the recent friendly. Meanwhile, forward Adam Grimberg, recently dropped from the youth national team, participated in the preparation game and scored. He is expected to continue playing with the youth team as long as Andrea Novacovic and Silva Kani are fit, with Guy Melamed also awaiting playing time. The club is working to develop Grimberg's potential, believing he can fulfill his talent despite his recent move to the youth squad after being a starter for the senior team before his injury last season.