Hamza Abdelkarim and Jesse Bissio face Barcelona patience test under Hansi Flick

Hamza Abdelkarim and Jesse Bissio are training daily with Barcelona’s first team, but the teenage prospects are still waiting for a meaningful opportunity to convince manager Hansi Flick.

Only 21 days apart in age, the Egyptian and Belgian are following different routes at the club while facing the same challenge: breaking into a squad packed with established stars.

Abdelkarim was born on 1 January 2008, while Bissio was born on 22 January of the same year. Both are part of Flick’s first-team set-up each day, but Barcelona have chosen to manage their development in contrasting ways.

Abdelkarim does not play for the reserve side on matchdays and remains with the first team. Bissio, meanwhile, has been sent to Barcelona Atletic to gain competitive experience.

The arrangement requires considerable patience from both players and their families. Flick has shown that he is prepared to select players on merit rather than age, but the figures so far underline how difficult it is for either youngster to establish himself.

Abdelkarim has made only four official minutes this season, from six matches – five in La Liga and one in the Champions League. His brief appearance came against Rayo Vallecano.

Bissio had been expected to make his Barcelona Atletic debut in Logrono last Sunday. However, concerns over the poor condition and suitability of the artificial pitch sparked a significant internal debate at the club about whether the game should be played there.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Abdelkarim’s position appears theoretically more favourable because he remains with the senior squad. In practice, however, he faces formidable competition in attack.

Raphinha has become an indispensable, decisive forward, while Gabriel Jesus offers a proven record. If Flick rotates his team for Wednesday’s match against Racing Santander, Jesus would logically be in line for the opportunity first.

Jesus has played only 16 minutes so far, with nine coming at Mestalla and six in the Champions League against Feyenoord, when he scored.

Bissio’s route appears even more complicated. Flick wants him to progress gradually through the reserve team before considering a promotion to the first-team squad. Should that happen, he would face Gordon and Adeyemi on the left wing, the position the Belgian prefers to occupy with his weaker foot.

The two players are therefore taking different paths, but Barcelona’s commitment to both is clear. Abdelkarim’s contract has been extended until 30 June 2030 and includes a €150m release clause, while the club paid €8.5m to sign Bissio.

The confidence of the club is in place; the next step for both players is to remain patient and prove themselves.