Gabriel Jesus available only briefly as Barcelona weigh Valencia options

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has indicated that Gabriel Jesus is unlikely to start against Valencia, despite confirming that the Brazil forward could make a limited appearance at Mestalla.

Barcelona travel to Valencia on Sunday for their fourth La Liga match of the season, knowing a victory would move them clear at the top of the table. Their opportunity has been strengthened by Real Madrid’s 1-0 defeat by Real Betis on Friday.

Jesus joined Barcelona from Arsenal on Tuesday, but Flick said the new arrival is still some way short of full match fitness. The German coach nevertheless believes he is capable of contributing for a short period against Valencia, depending on how the game develops.

“Of course, he is not 100% ready, but he is prepared to play a few minutes. We will see how the match goes. It is good to see the way he has worked and how calm he is,” Flick said at his news conference on Saturday, as reported by AS.

The comments appear to reduce the likelihood of Egypt forward Hamza Abdelkarim being selected as Barcelona’s central striker. Flick said Raphinha currently offers the strongest option in that position because of his movement, pace and ability to lead the team’s pressing.

“At this moment, I think he is the best option. He starts the dynamics of the play and the pressing and gives us speed. For me, he is the best option we have in this position at the moment,” Flick said.

Raphinha has scored five goals in Barcelona’s three La Liga matches this season, the highest total by any player in the competition. By contrast, Hamza Abdelkarim has played only four minutes, which came in Barcelona’s most recent fixture against Rayo Vallecano.

The decision represents a setback for the young Egyptian, who had been among the possible alternatives in attack while Jesus continues to build his fitness. Flick’s comments suggest that, for now, Barcelona will continue to rely on Raphinha’s energy and pressing rather than make Hamza Abdelkarim the focal point of their attack.

Flick also discussed Jules Kounde and expressed confidence in the France international’s ability to operate in more than one position. Kounde has not started the season in Barcelona’s first-choice line-up, but the manager described that situation as a challenge for the defender.

“He is an incredibly professional player. He has not started the matches, but that represents a challenge for him. His task is to reach his best level, as he did in the 2024-2025 season. He can play well in both positions, but, as always, the team is the most important thing,” Flick said.

Barcelona’s visit to Mestalla therefore comes with their attacking plans shaped by Jesus’ limited readiness, Raphinha’s early-season form and Hamza Abdelkarim’s restricted involvement so far. Their immediate objective is to take advantage of Real Madrid’s defeat and claim sole possession of first place.