Hapoel Tel Aviv Names Roy Barnes Backup Goalkeeper Amid Benyamini Injury

Hapoel Tel Aviv is set to play its first preparatory match today during its training camp in Slovakia against FC Zlín from the Czech top league. Head coach Aloniv Breda plans to rotate the squad extensively to give many players game time. Goalkeeper Roy Barnes, who was expected to be loaned out this season, may see playing minutes as he currently serves as the team's second-choice goalkeeper due to Dor Benyamini's abdominal muscle injury. Benyamini has been undergoing intensive treatment in recent weeks, with no clear return date, and the injury carries a risk of recurrence. Until Benyamini recovers, Barnes will remain the backup goalkeeper.

Additionally, assistant coach Dušan Matović is departing the club after two and a half years to join Žarko Lazetić as his assistant at Al-Taawoun in the Saudi Pro League. The Serbian coach accepted an offer he could not refuse, and Hapoel Tel Aviv's management decided not to block his move, given that Breda has a broad professional staff available. The club continues preparations ahead of the upcoming Israeli Premier League season.