Despite Being Fit, Uri Azou Excluded from Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Training Camp
Maccabi Tel Aviv Prepares for 2025/26 Season
As Maccabi Tel Aviv gears up for the upcoming 2025/26 season and the start of the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, the club is set to depart for a training camp in Hungary. Notably absent from the squad will be talented midfielder Uri Azou, who expressed surprise at not being included.
Azou’s Recent Performance and Health Situation
The 19-year-old Azou was on loan at Hapoel Ramat Hasharon during the first half of the previous season (2024/25), where he made a significant impact with 9 goals and 4 assists across all competitions. Following his impressive performance, he transferred to Maccabi Ashdod, where he contributed 2 goals and 3 assists in 11 appearances in the Israeli Premier League.
Despite undergoing abdominal muscle surgery earlier to ensure his fitness for the training camp, Azou is currently fully healthy. He was initially informed that he would be part of the team’s plans but has since been excluded from the trip. The club’s decision has left him in a state of disbelief, and there are indications that he may be loaned out once again.
Players Joining and Missing from the Training Camp
While Azou will not be on the flight to Hungary, fellow teammates Itai Ben Hamu, Idan Ulay, and Hisham Layous will participate in the training camp, along with 17-year-old youth team defender Liran Shpigel. Several players, however, have been left out of the squad, including Nadav Nidan, Avishai Cohen, Shon Ederi, and Or Roizman, as they are no longer in the club’s plans.
Additionally, Roy Navi and Anis Porat Ayash will also miss the trip, with plans for them to be loaned to Hapoel Haifa as part of the deal involving Noam Ben Harush.
Complete Squad for the Training Camp
The full squad heading to the training camp includes:
- Goalkeepers: Yoav Gerafi, Ofek Malika, Nemanja Stojic, Roi Mishpati.
- Defenders: Tyreese Asanta, Raz Shlomo, Danny Grofer, Noam Ben Harush, Itai Ben Hamu, Liran Shpigel, Roi Ravivo.
- Midfielders: Shagiv Yechzikel, Wesley Patacic, Henri Edo, Isaf Sisoko, Itamar Noy, Hisham Layous, Idan Shahar, Idan Ulay, Dor Peretz, Ofer Davidah, Ben Luderman.
- Forwards: Ion Nikolescu, Younes Melada, Eld Madmon, Saeed Abu Farhi.
Maccabi Tel Aviv’s training camp marks a crucial period for the team as they prepare for the upcoming season and the challenges ahead