Barcelona turn to Hamza Abdelkarim as five players miss Deportivo Alaves match

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has included Hamza Abdelkarim in his attacking options for Saturday’s La Liga meeting with Deportivo Alaves, while five players have been left out through injury.

Dani Olmo, Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen and Xavi Espart are all unavailable for the 11th-round fixture. Flick has therefore added Abdelkarim to a forward group that also includes Gabriel Jesus, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Adeyemi and Gordon.

Barcelona are top of La Liga with 27 points, while Deportivo Alaves occupy seventh place on 12 points.

Flick’s full squad for the match is:

Goalkeepers: Joan Garcia, Szczesny, Livakovic.

Defenders: Joao Cancelo, Balde, Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Alex Campos, Guillem.

Midfielders: Brian Farinas, Gavi, Fermin, Pedri, Rodri, De Jong, Bernal, Tonikara.

Forwards: Gabriel Jesus, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Adeyemi, Gordon, Hamza Abdelkarim.