Barcelona v Al Ahly: Hamza Abdelkarim left out of expected starting XI for Joan Gamper Trophy clash

Hamza Abdelkarim is expected to begin Barcelona’s Joan Gamper Trophy meeting with former club Al Ahly on the substitutes’ bench, despite emerging as the Catalan side’s leading scorer during pre-season.

The Egypt international has scored three goals during Barcelona’s preparations and will make his first appearance against Al Ahly since leaving the Egyptian club for European football. The match is also expected to be his first opportunity to play in front of Barcelona supporters at Spotify Camp Nou.

Catalan newspaper Sport has published its predicted line-ups for Wednesday’s fixture, with Abdelkarim not included in manager Hansi Flick’s expected starting XI. His name instead appears among the substitutes.

Barcelona are still searching for the best option to play as their central number nine before their opening La Liga match against Elche. Flick used Raphinha in that position during the club’s most recent friendly against Basel, while there is yet to be an established traditional centre-forward in his plans.

Despite not being listed to start, Abdelkarim could still be given an opportunity during the match. His three goals in pre-season have made him Barcelona’s most prominent scorer during their preparations, and the uncertainty over the central striker role could work in his favour.

According to Sport, Al Ahly are expected to field a front three of Monsef Bekrar, Sofiane Benjdida and Achraf Bencharki. Egypt midfielder Emam Ashour is predicted to start on the bench.

Barcelona’s expected line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia

Defenders: Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen, Gerard Martin, Alejandro Balde

Midfielders: Marc Bernal, Espart, Fermin Lopez

Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Karim Adeyemi, Raphinha

Barcelona’s expected substitutes are Wojciech Szczesny, Jules Kounde, Cortes, Gavi, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Ebrima, Gordon, Besio and Hamza Abdelkarim.

Al Ahly’s predicted team is:

Goalkeeper: Mostafa Shobeir

Defenders: Koka, Hadi Riyad, Yasser Ibrahim, Mohamed Hany

Midfielders: Marwan Attia, Akram Tawfik, Ali Mahmoud

Forwards: Monsef Bekrar, Sofiane Benjdida, Achraf Bencharki

The expected Al Ahly substitutes are Mohamed El Shenawy, Emam Ashour, Reda, Hamza Abdelkarim, Ahmed, Salah, Zizo and Afsha.

Abdelkarim faces former club

The contest carries particular significance for Abdelkarim, who developed through Al Ahly’s youth system before moving into European football with Barcelona. Wednesday’s match will be his first against the Cairo club since completing that move.

The Egyptian striker will be hoping to take advantage of the lack of a settled first-choice centre-forward at Barcelona. Although he is not expected to be selected from the start, his recent scoring record could earn him minutes during the game.

Barcelona v Al Ahly will kick off at 21:00 Cairo time on Wednesday at Spotify Camp Nou. The fixture is part of the Joan Gamper Trophy.