UEFA European Under-21 Championship hosts Israel have suffered a major setback with the news that defender Sari Falah has broken his left ankle while in domestic action for Bnei Yehuda Tel-Aviv FC.

An ever-present in Israel's programme of warm-up matches, the 21-year-old collided with Beitar Jerusalem FC goalkeeper Ariel Harush during Saturday's 1-0 win at the Teddy Stadium, the venue for the championship final in June. Falah underwent surgery for three hours which confirmed a break in his left ankle and means he faces a race to be fit for this summer's tournament which starts on 5 June.

"I must stay strong in order to recover fast," he said. "I have waited for this tournament for three years and I won't give that up easily." Israel coach Guy Luzon added: "This is a fatal blow for us, he has been a regular for the past two years. I just want to wish him a speedy recovery."

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