Onischenko out for Leeds tie

Ukrainian midfield player Denys Onischenko will miss the second leg of Hapoel Tel-Aviv FC's UEFA Cup second-round match against Leeds United AFC with a knee injury sustained while training for the first game in England.

Out for three weeks
The 24-year-old damaged his knee in preparation for the first leg, won 1-0 by Leeds after Harry Kewell's late goal at Elland Road. However, a scan taken yesterday revealed that the damage was more serious than originally thought and Onischenko is expected to be sidelined for three weeks.

Florence fixture
The protracted absence of the former FC Dynamo Kyiv player has given Hapoel coach Dror Kashtan further cause for concern ahead of the second leg against Leeds which will be played at the Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence, Italy, on Thursday 14 November because of the security situation in Israel.

Knee injuries
Hungarian midfield player Gábor Halmai is also a doubt for the fixture. He is yet to return to training after he injured a knee against Leeds, a blow which forced him to leave the field in the 65th minute. Moldovan striker Serghei Clescenko is also experiencing knee trouble, a scan will determine the severity of his injury, while Yossi Abuksis is struggling with flu and remains doubtful for Sunday's league meeting with Hapoel Beer-Sheva.

Ben Ami returns
Meanwhile, Hapoel have re-signed midfield player Eyal Ben Ami from Hapoel Ironi Rishon. The 26-year-old left the club where he started his career two years ago after suffering a serious knee injury. "I'm glad to return home as this is where I belong," he said.

Back home
The player had been on the verge of joining Beitar Jerusalem but the deal fell through last week. He has signed a two-year contract in Tel-Aviv. Hapoel spokesman Tal Theumim said: "Eyal is one of our home-grown players and is returning to where he belongs."