Israel squad to open against Kosovo without Oriel Gorn

In depth

Oriel Gorn, a midfielder at Barcelona, was released from the Israel squad due to an abdominal muscle injury, and underwent an MRI scan in Barcelona. He has been replaced by Zahi Ahmad of Be'er Sheva, who is called up to the senior national team for the first time, and will replace Eitan Halaili, who was also injured.

The Israel national team will fly to Pristina on Thursday afternoon ahead of the match against Kosovo on Saturday at 16:00. Ran Ben Shimon asked the players to clear their heads with their families, and will also give them three free hours at the hotel after tomorrow's training session. Guy Mizrahi said he believes the team will win both matches.

Manor Solomon is suffering from back pain and only took part in a partial training session, so he is not expected to start. Ben Shimon examined the lineup in training in Shefayim: Stoyanov, Shlomo and Nahmias in defense, Tokelomati up front, Azulay and Yehoshua in midfield, and Peretz in goal. Roy Rivivo trained with his teammates, but will be assessed in the final training session on whether he can start.