Atalanta Star Striker and Defender Doubtful for Conference League Playoff Against Hapoel Tel Aviv

Hapoel Tel Aviv is set to face Atalanta next week in the Conference League playoff round, with the Italian side considered clear favorites. However, Atalanta may be without two key players due to injuries sustained during training. Star forward Charles De Ketelaere is dealing with a left groin muscle strain, while defender Honest Ahnor has a similar injury in his right groin. Both players are doubtful for the two-legged tie against Hapoel Tel Aviv and Atalanta's Serie A season opener, according to reports from Italy.

De Ketelaere, valued at around 35 million euros, was a standout at the recent World Cup, scoring against Spain and contributing a brace and an assist against the USA. The 18-year-old defender Ahnor, valued at approximately 30 million euros, has already made two appearances for the Italian senior national team. Atalanta is currently finalizing preparations for the new season and will play their last preseason match against Athletic Bilbao without these two players.

If De Ketelaere and Ahnor are absent, Hapoel Tel Aviv could face a weakened Atalanta squad missing two significant contributors. Italian sources estimate both players will need about ten days to recover, putting their participation in the first leg against Hapoel Tel Aviv in serious doubt.