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 held only one training session ahead of their 2026/27 Israeli Premier League season opener. The team will face Hapoel Jerusalem in Rehovot tonight. Despite having the option to postpone the match due to their European commitments, Maccabi Tel Aviv decided to proceed, unlike Hapoel Be'er Sheva and Hapoel Tel Aviv who postponed their openers. The club sold all 3,000 tickets allocated for the game, although the team arrives with negative momentum after the recent defeat and a less convincing second half in the Toto Cup semifinal against Maccabi Netanya.

Injuries continue to affect the squad, with defender Shagiv Yehezkel still sidelined. Midfielder Said Abu Farhi, awaiting visa documents for a move to Colorado, remains available but is not expected to start. Coach Kenny Miller is likely to field striker Astr Sukler alongside the forward line, while Itamar Noy is expected to replace Ido Shahar in midfield. The participation of Dutch defender Tyrese Asante, who was substituted due to injury in the Lugano match, will be decided shortly before kickoff, with the team optimistic about his availability. Additionally, after suspension in the Toto Cup semifinal, Roy Revivo will make his first appearance in Israel since the Super Cup.

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