Barcelona concerned over Hamza Abdelkarim’s involvement in Egypt’s AFCON qualifier

Barcelona have reportedly expressed concern over the participation of their young forward Hamza Abdelkarim in Egypt’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan.

The Spanish giants are keeping a close eye on the talented attacker as Egypt prepare to face South Sudan on an artificial turf pitch at Juba Stadium.

Abdelkarim is expected to play a more prominent role for Egypt after captain Mohamed Salah was left out of the squad for the trip to South Sudan.

Barcelona are reportedly hoping the player avoids any injury or physical problems on the artificial surface, with the club considering him an important member of their first-team squad.

The young attacker made his appearance in Egypt’s opening AFCON 2027 qualifier against Angola last Friday, coming off the bench in the second half.

Abdelkarim replaced Haitham Hassan and played 28 minutes as the Pharaohs were held to a goalless draw at the Cairo International Stadium.

His potential involvement from the start against South Sudan would represent an opportunity for the youngster to take on greater responsibility for Hossam Hassan’s side, particularly with Salah unavailable.

Egypt will also be without defender Mohamed Abdel Moneim for the trip after the technical staff decided to rest the Nice centre-back, adding to the absences affecting the squad.

The Pharaohs have travelled to South Sudan looking for their first victory of the qualifying campaign after dropping two points against Angola.

With the match being played on artificial turf, the condition of the pitch has become an additional talking point ahead of the encounter, particularly for clubs monitoring the welfare of their players.

Egypt are in Group B of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers alongside South Sudan, Angola and Malawi, with Tuesday’s match at Juba Stadium representing their second fixture in the campaign.