Beitar Jerusalem Clarifies Luka Gadrani Injury Amid Contract Rumors

Beitar Jerusalem addressed recent rumors about defender Luka Gadrani's fitness and contract situation following their Toto Cup penalty shootout loss to Hapoel Tel Aviv. The match ended 2-2 after 90 minutes, with Hapoel winning 3-1 on penalties. Gadrani did not travel with the team to Larnaca for their upcoming match on Thursday at 19:30, sparking speculation about his commitment and contract demands.

The club confirmed that Gadrani is dealing with a persistent injury to his fibula, which has troubled him since the end of last season and throughout the current one. Despite the pain, he played for the Georgian national team during the summer but was not fit during the team's training camp. Medical staff emphasized that rest is crucial for his recovery, warning that injections to speed up healing could risk further damage.

Gadrani has not yet returned to full team training and is currently training separately. His chances of playing in the second leg against Larnaca are low, and even if he does, it would likely be for only about 20 minutes to prepare him for future matches. The club also acknowledged the urgency of resolving his contract situation, recognizing that the ongoing negotiations affect the player's focus. Beitar aims to have Gadrani fully recovered and mentally ready for the upcoming season once the contract is settled.