Maccabi Tel Aviv Prepares for Premier League Opener Amid Injury Concerns

Following their 2-1 loss to Lugano in the Conference League playoff first leg, Maccabi Tel Aviv returned to Israel on Friday morning and conducted only one training session ahead of their 2026/27 Israeli Premier League season opener against Hapoel Jerusalem in Rehovot. Despite having the option to postpone the match due to their European commitments, the club decided to proceed, unlike Hapoel Be'er Sheva and Hapoel Tel Aviv who delayed their openers. Maccabi Tel Aviv sold all 3,000 tickets allocated for their fans, arriving with negative momentum after the recent defeat and a less-than-satisfactory second half in the Toto Cup semifinal against Maccabi Netanya.

Injuries remain a concern for coach Kenny Miller, with defender Shagiv Yehezkel still sidelined. Midfielder Said Abu Farhi, awaiting visa paperwork for a transfer to Colorado, remains available for selection. Miller is expected to start striker Astr Sukler alongside the forward line, while Itamar Noy is likely to replace Ido Shahar in midfield. The participation of Dutch defender Tyrese Asante, who was substituted due to injury against Lugano, will be decided close to kickoff, though the team is optimistic about his availability. Additionally, Roy Revivo will make his first appearance in Israel since the Super Cup after serving a suspension in the Toto Cup semifinal.

The probable starting lineup includes goalkeeper Ofek Malika; defenders Tyrese Asante or Itay Ben Hamo, Raz Shlomo, Mohammed Ali Kamara, and Roy Revivo; midfielders Isof Sisoko, Dor Peretz, and Itamar Noy; and forwards Osher Davida, Helio Varela, and Astr Sukler.