Hapoel Tel Aviv Names Roy Barnes Second Goalkeeper After Benyamini Injury

Hapoel Tel Aviv is set to play its first preseason match today during its training camp in Slovakia against FC Zlín from the Czech top league. 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 now see playing minutes as the team’s second-choice keeper due to Dor Benyamini’s abdominal muscle injury. Benyamini has been undergoing intensive treatment in recent weeks, with his return date still uncertain because the injury carries a risk of recurrence. Until Benyamini recovers, Barnes will serve as the backup goalkeeper.

In related news, assistant coach Dušan Matović has parted ways with Hapoel Tel Aviv after two and a half years. He accepted an offer to become assistant coach to Žarko Lazetić at Al Taawoun in the Saudi Pro League. The club’s management decided not to block his move, given that Breda has a broad professional staff available. This transition comes as Hapoel Tel Aviv continues preparations for the upcoming season.