Israel National Team Prepares for Albania Friendly as Coach Recovers from Injury

Israel's national football team will face Albania in a friendly international fixture on June 3, with the squad departing Monday following preparations at their training headquarters in Shefayim. The match serves as preparation for upcoming Nations League competition in September, though head coach Ran Ben Shimon faces uncertainty about his participation due to recovery from a serious injury sustained weeks ago.

Team Composition and Player Commitment

The Israeli delegation includes players such as Daniel Peretz, Oscar Gloukh, and Roy Revivo, who assembled at Shefayim on Sunday. Additional squad members, including captain Eli Dasa and Manor Solomon, will join the team in Albania. Coach Ben Shimon expressed particular satisfaction with player commitment, noting that he could not recall a previous summer national team camp where participants actively requested inclusion despite the demands of a long club season. Only two or three players were not selected, released by the coach's decision.

Coach's Recovery and Leadership Approach

Ben Shimon disclosed that he sustained a serious injury and has been receiving treatment at Sheba Medical Center. He stated he is recovering gradually and requires additional testing, including a head CT scan, before finalizing his travel plans. Despite the setback, he emphasized confidence in his support staff to manage the match and expressed that team needs supersede individual circumstances. He planned to consult with doctors and association leadership before making a final determination on attendance.

Regarding the fixture's purpose, Ben Shimon rejected the notion of treating it as merely a friendly contest. He framed the match as a critical developmental opportunity to evaluate and refine specific tactical and strategic elements ahead of Nations League matches. The coach identified multiple objectives the team aims to achieve during this international break.

Albania's Preparation

The Albanian national team, coached by Rolando Maran, will host Israel at the Air Albania Stadium in Tirana. The Eagles will also face Luxembourg on June 6 at the same venue. Forward Cristian Shpendi, who made his senior national team debut the previous September, received selection for both matches during this international window.