UEFA Champions League: Katan likely to miss Juventus match

UEFA Champions League K

By ALLON SINAI
Maccabi Haifa left on Monday for its Champions League match against Juventus in Turin without its star forward Yaniv Katan. Katan was treated at Rambam Hospital in Haifa on Sunday after suffering from a high temperature and vomiting, and despite returning to his home later in the evening, will in all likelihood miss Maccabi's massive match against the Italian powerhouse on Wednesday. Along with Katan, Haifa coach Elisha Levy will also have to manage without two more of his best players, the suspended Biram Kiyal and the injured Eyal Golasa. Haifa lost its first two matches in the group stage against Bayern Munich and Bordeaux, and despite playing well so far, has also yet to score. Juventus has drawn both its group matches to date, and can not afford to drop points at home against Haifa if it has any intention of qualifying for the knockout stage. "Everyone knows how significant Katan is to us. He is our most important player," Haifa defender Dekel Keinan said on Monday. "However, I believe in our squad. I hope we can pick up our first point in Juventus, but we must be realistic. They are the clear favorites."