Hapoel Tel Aviv Loses in Dubai, Faces Injury Concerns Ahead of Derby

Hapoel Tel Aviv's four-game winning streak in the EuroLeague ended with a 97-83 loss to Dubai on Friday. The team faces further challenges as Czech guard the guard remained in Dubai for medical observation following a frightening fall during the third quarter. The club reported that the guard is feeling well and is in contact with doctors, with hopes that his condition is limited to a concussion. His situation is less severe than initially feared, and the team expressed gratitude to the Dubai club for their assistance. "The fall was indeed frightening, but fortunately, everything ended as it should have. The Dubai staff helped with dedicated care, and Thomas is feeling excellent," a Hapoel Tel Aviv spokesperson stated.

In other injury news, Tamir Blatt is expected to undergo further training and the club is optimistic about his availability for the upcoming derby. Jacob Toppin, who was ill and did not travel to Dubai, remains in Israel. His citizenship process has not yet been completed, preventing him from playing in the next game.

Coach Dimitris Itoudis faces decisions regarding player registrations for the derby against Maccabi Tel Aviv. It is unclear if Zack LeDay and Vasilije Micić, who have not yet been registered for the league by Itoudis, will be included in the upcoming match. Micić returned to the lineup after an injury and tension with Itoudis, scoring 15 points, providing 7 assists, and grabbing 4 rebounds in the loss to Dubai.

Hapoel Tel Aviv acknowledged that Maccabi Tel Aviv has an extra day of practice, which is significant. Despite the loss to Dubai, the team feels they are in a good period and are determined to avenge their recent league loss to Jerusalem. The team is preparing for the first of three derby matchups against Maccabi Tel Aviv within ten days.