Benayoun back in Israel squad
Reuters - Wednesday 16 March 2011, 16:36
JERUSALEM - Israel captain Yossi
Benayoun has been recalled to a 25-man squad for their Euro 2012
qualifiers this month against Latvia and Georgia in Tel Aviv.
The 30-year-old midfielder was sidelined for six months last
October with an Achilles injury and had to undergo surgery but
has recently returned to training at Chelsea.
"I have been in touch with him since his injury," coach Luis
Fernandez said when announcing the squad on Wednesday.
"Yossi has returned to training at Chelsea and the moment
he's training... (he's a player) I cannot overlook... I know
he is not 100 percent fit, but he is the captain."
Israel host Latvia on March 26 and Georgia three days later
at the compact Bloomfield Stadium in south Tel Aviv, a rare
change from the larger 44,000 seat National Stadium.
After four matches, Israel lie fourth in qualifying Group F
on four points, behind leaders Croatia (10 points), Greece (8)
and Georgia (6) and ahead of Latvia on goal difference and Malta
who have lost all their matches so far.