Benayoun dropped for Israel Euro squad

Yossi Benayoun has been dropped for Israel’s two upcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers against Cyprus and Andorra.

The national captain was part of a three-day training camp held last month, when Israel’s opening tie against Belgium was postponed. However, manager Eli Guttman has decided not to recall the 34-year-old, instead opting to choose more in-form players.

The other high-profile absentee is EdenBen-Basat, who despite scoring six goals in Israel’s 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign, was also dropped with the likes of Toto Tamuz, Munas Dabbur and former Chelsea player Ben Sahar all called up.

The squad will meet up at Shefayim on Wednesday, with the Europe-based players joining up next week. Israel will leave for Cyprus next Tuesday and will fly to Andorra following Friday’s qualifier in Nicosia.