Hapoel Petah Tikva Faces Injury Crisis Ahead of Maccabi Netanya Match

Hapoel Petah Tikva, currently below the red line with only one win in five games, is struggling with a significant injury crisis as they prepare to face Maccabi Netanya after the international break. Coach Omer Peretz is forced into constant improvisation due to numerous player absences. Mosheko Meir, Diego Arroyo, and Avishai Cohen have not yet returned to training, while Karim Kimbuti is suspended. Additionally, Hamidou Keita is doubtful for the match due to a groin injury, with a decision on his availability to be made after the final training session.

However, midfielder Guy Badash is expected to return and receive playing time. After refusing to leave the club during the last transfer window and expressing a desire to fight for his place, Badash met with the coaching staff, who informed him that his playing time depends on his performance. Professional manager Nir Levin stated that a "new page has been turned" with Badash.

Levin also addressed the departures of Shavit Mazol and Orel Dgani. He revealed that Dgani boycotted training and refused to play unless permitted to transfer to Ashdod. Mazol, according to Levin, received a higher financial offer and chose to leave due to personal and family matters.

CEO Tim Plotkin responded to fan complaints about the team being assembled late, clarifying that the club raised 700,000 shekels more from supporters this season compared to the previous one. Professionally, Peretz is expected to revert to a four-man defense, with club sources indicating a need to "return to the sources and the place where we succeeded."

The projected starting lineup includes Omer Katz, Stav Israeli, Or Israelov, Alexander Musonda, Yazan Nasser, Boni Amine, Tomer Altman, Roei David, Roei Levi, Clay, and Arik Billa.