Bilal Atia set for Racing Santander reserve debut against Club Bansander

Egyptian midfielder Bilal Atia is set to make his first appearance for Racing Santander’s reserve side when they face Club Bansander today.

Atia joined Racing Santander from Al Ahly on loan last summer, with the agreement running until the end of the season.

A source at the Spanish club told FilGoal.com: “Bilal Atia will play his first match today with the under-19 team against Club Bansander.”

The match is being used as preparation for Racing Santander’s meeting with Celta Vigo next week.

The source added that Atia’s starting role would be decided by the coach. He could begin the game or come on during the second half, but he will not play the full match because he has only recently returned from injury.

Racing Santander’s reserve team is known as Rayo Cantabria and competes in Spain’s fourth tier. The side finished ninth in its group last season, in a division made up of 18 teams.

Atia will become the second Egyptian player to feature in Spain this season, after Hamza Abdelkarim, who plays for Barcelona in La Liga.