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

Hapoel Haifa midfielder Shai Elias is set to face his former team, Hapoel Be'er Sheva, this Saturday in a Toto Cup match for fifth place. Elias, who made his debut as a substitute against Kiryat Shmona, has been training intermittently with the starting lineup alongside Naor Sabag and Shik Keita. However, the club has expressed concerns about his fitness, indicating that even if he starts, his playing time will be limited to avoid risking injury.

Darijo Zoparic is expected to return to the starting eleven after serving a suspension in the previous game. Meanwhile, Hapoel Haifa 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. The coaching staff is also debating whether to field Yaad Gonen or Sa'ar Elkayam on the right wing; Gonen, typically a central midfielder, has occasionally played on the wing during youth matches and recent training sessions.

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