Shelah, who has won a record 84 caps for Israel, sustained the injury playing for Maccabi Tel Aviv in last week's UEFA Cup tie against Roda JC Kerkrade.

Coach Richard Moller Nielsen decided not to call up a replacement for Shelah, although he may change his mind after assessing the severity of inspirational captain Tal Banin's injury on Thursday.

The defensive midfielder, a team mate of Shelah at Maccabi Tel Aviv, also has a hamstring problem.

There was a further blow for the Israelis on Wednesday when central defender Shimon Gershon picked up a groin strain in training.

Nielsen said he did not think Gershon's condition was serious but ordered him to rest for the remainder of the day.

'Gershon had a groin strain which in my opinion is not too serious but I preferred to order him out of the session to make sure he is fit for tomorrow,' Nielsen said.

Israel need to win to pip Austria for second position in European qualifying group seven and to earn a place in the World Cup playoffs against Turkey next month.

Spain have already qualified in first place with Austria currently second on 14 points and Israel third on 11 but with a better goal difference than the Austrians.