Berkovic back in Israel squad

Manchester City FC playmaker Eyal Berkovic is back in the Israel squad ahead of the UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifiers with Slovenia and Malta.

Late arrivals
Israel coach Avraham Grant has named a 21-man squad for the games, with Berkovic, who pulled out of Israel's recent friendly with Russia, joining the group late after City's Premiership game with Arsenal FC on Sunday. Real Racing Club Santander's Yossi Benayoun will also join the squad after his side's opening game of the new Primera División campaign against RCD Mallorca.

Nimni involved
Former captain Tal Banin has been overlooked again although Avi Nimni is included, along with late additions Omri Afek and Shai Holtzman.

Two points behind
Grant's side currently lie in third place in Group 1 with eight points from five games, seven behind leaders France but only two adrift of second-placed Slovenia. Israel face Slovenia in Ljubljana on 6 September, before taking on Malta in Antalya in Turkey four days later and ending their qualifying campaign with an away game against France on 11 October.

Israel squad
Elimelech, Davidovic, Benado, Keisi, Harazi, Zano, Ben-Haim, Gershon, Uzan, Badier, Tal, Zandberg, Abuksis, Nimni, Zarfati, Berkovic, Benayoun, Afek, Balili, Revivo, Holtzman.