Israel are pessimistic about Crystal Palace‘s Anan Khalaili featuring in their UEFA Conference League tie against the Republic of Ireland on Sunday.
The right wing-back has been a regular for the national team since September 2024 and only missed last November’s fixtures.
Last week, the Crystal Palace summer signing played the full 90 minutes in their 3-1 loss to Austria. Manager Ran Ben-Shimon started him in the defeat to the Republic of Ireland and also in the goalless draw to Kosovo.
Crystal Palace player remains doubtful
In the last clash against Kosovo on Thursday, Anan Khalaili left the pitch after 77 minutes because of an injury.
On Friday, Sport Witness covered a report from Israel explaining that he suffered a thigh injury. He was to undergo further tests to determine the extent of the damage to his hamstring.
There’s no update yet about these results, and Sport1 Maariv now reports he wasn’t in top shape after the clash against Kosovo. Therefore, the player is ‘still questionable’ for the weekend clash.
Israel’s upcoming clash will take place in Bačka Topola, Serbia, and the team arrived in the country yesterday.
Besides the Crystal Palace man, West Ham United summer signing Manor Solomon and DC United’s Tai Baribo are also doubtful. Among the trio, iSport in Israel reports Khalaili’s availability to face the Republic of Ireland is ‘questionable’.
These two reports indicate the national team are pessimistic about the Eagles summer arrival’s availability tomorrow.
Crystal Palace awaiting updates and developments
The UEFA Conference League winners will be awaiting updates from Israel’s medical staff about Anan Khalaili’s situation. They will also keep a close watch on the developments around him while with the national team.
If the player doesn’t recover on time, Crystal Palace can only hope he doesn’t feature against the Republic of Ireland.
Pierre Sage has utilised Khalaili in his preferred role as a right wing-back, and he scored a goal from six matches so far. The Israel international is adjusting to the new country and the league. If his setback is serious, it will further delay this process.
