Hapoel Haifa Faces Uncertainty Over Shai Elias Starting Against Former Club Be'er Sheva

Hapoel Haifa midfielder Shai Elias is expected to face his former team, Hapoel Be'er Sheva, on Saturday in a Toto Cup match for fifth place, but it remains unclear if he will start. Elias, who debuted recently as a substitute against Kiryat Shmona, has trained with the starting lineup alongside Naor Sabag and Shik Keita, yet the club states he is not fully fit and plans to limit his playing time to avoid risk.

Darijo Zoparic will return to the starting eleven after serving a suspension in the previous game. Haim Silvas will be without Wahib Habiballah, who suffered a minor groin tear during warm-up before the last match and is expected to be sidelined for about two weeks. There is also a tactical decision pending between Yaad Gonen and Sa'ar Elkayam for the right wing position, with Gonen occasionally playing there during youth matches and recent training sessions.

Tal Naim has resumed light training as he recovers from a pelvic injury, while second goalkeeper Matan Ambar missed practice due to injury and is doubtful for the weekend game. The team is also awaiting the arrival of new signing William Agada, who is still awaiting visa clearance to enter Israel. The first league match against Be'er Sheva will be postponed due to their participation in the Champions League qualifying playoffs.