BySimon Griver, Simon Griver
Israel returns to the Davis Cup World Group stage on Friday after a two-year absence, but they face the sternest possible test against France in Rouen.
Doubles specialist Andy Ram has declared himself fit following elbow surgery and he will team up with Jonathan Erlich, but Dudi Sela (106) and Amir Weintraub (173) would appear to have little chance against top 10 stars Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Richard Gasquet. Julien Benneteau (38) and Michael Llodra (63) complete the French line-up.
Sela said: "The chances aren't good but we’ll give it everything."
Meanwhile, Shahar Peer and Julia Glushko will represent Israel in the Federation Cup playoffs in Eilat later this month.
Israel will face Poland, Romania and Turkey in a 16-team competition in Eilat. The top two nations will progress to the World Group.
Update: Andy Ram pulled out of the Israel squad on Thursday. Dudi Sela will now partner Jonathan Erlich in the doubles.