Barcelona B name Hamza Abdelkarim in squad for first time against Utebo

Barcelona’s reserve side have included Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim in their squad for the first time since he joined the club, with Utebo the opposition in the Spanish fourth tier.

Barcelona coach Giuliano Belletti announced the squad for the match, which will take place at 18:00 Cairo time.

Abdelkarim’s inclusion comes after he was left out of the Barcelona first-team squad. The forward has been part of Hansi Flick’s senior group since the beginning of pre-season this campaign, but will now feature for the reserve team as he looks to gain more playing time.

The Egyptian played for Barcelona’s Under-19 side last season. He has made two appearances for the first team during the current campaign, although both came for only limited periods.

Flick wants Abdelkarim to play for the reserve side to build up match minutes. His first selection for Barcelona’s second team therefore provides an opportunity for him to gain further competitive experience.

Barcelona currently lead the fourth-tier standings with 16 points, three clear of second-placed Osasuna B.

The match against Utebo is part of the league campaign in which Barcelona are seeking promotion. The team finishing first will earn automatic promotion to the third tier.

Clubs finishing from second to fifth in each of the five groups will enter a play-off competition to decide the remaining promotion places.