Beitar Jerusalem Prepares for Conference League Qualifier Amid Tisha B'Av Fast Challenges

Following their penalty shootout loss to Hapoel Tel Aviv, Beitar Jerusalem is already focusing on their upcoming match against AEK Larnaca in Cyprus on Thursday, July 27. This game marks the first leg of the UEFA Conference League qualifiers. The team faces an additional challenge as the match coincides with the Tisha B'Av fast, a significant day of fasting in the Jewish calendar. Players Shon Weissman, Daniel Vorko, and Ziv Ben Shimol are consulting their rabbi to decide whether to fast during the game, while coach Almog Cohen has announced his intention to fast.

From a fitness perspective, defender Luka Gadrani is expected to increase his training intensity and be fit for the match. Two players will return to the starting lineup: striker Yarden Shua, who missed the previous game due to illness, and defender Brian Carvalho, who has completed a suspension. Midfielder Tomer Yosefi will only be available for the second leg, scheduled for the following Thursday in Romania. Coach Cohen will finalize the squad before the trip, planning to take only 23 players to Cyprus.