Hamza Abdelkarim set for a unique Barcelona double on Aston Villa day

Hamza Abdelkarim will be involved in two different Barcelona squads on Tuesday as the Egyptian forward prepares for a rare double appearance against Aston Villa in two European competitions.

The 2008-born striker has been included in the first-team plans for Barcelona’s Champions League meeting with the English club, while also being called up by Juvenil A for their UEFA Youth League fixture against the same opponents earlier in the day.

Spanish newspaper Sport reported that Abdelkarim trained with Hansi Flick’s senior side on Monday during their final session before Aston Villa’s visit. His name was subsequently included in the first-team squad for the Champions League match.

At the same time, Juvenil A coach Pol Planas selected the forward to strengthen his side for its meeting with Aston Villa.

The situation is unusual because Abdelkarim has already played for Barca Atletic as well as making an appearance for Barcelona’s first team since joining the Catalan club in February 2026.

His senior debut under Flick came on 31 August against Rayo Vallecano. He then made his first appearance for the reserve side in October.

Tuesday’s schedule will see Juvenil A face Aston Villa at 16:00 at the Johan Cruyff Stadium in the UEFA Youth League. Barcelona’s first team will host the English side at 21:00 at Spotify Camp Nou in the Champions League.

That leaves Abdelkarim as a point of connection between the two Barcelona teams, with the club considering him for both matches on the same day.

The Champions League fixture carries significant importance for Barcelona, who are eighth in the competition with six points. Aston Villa are second on nine points after winning each of their opening three matches.

There is also plenty at stake in the UEFA Youth League. Juvenil A sit 20th with four points, while Aston Villa are 26th on three points.

The meeting could therefore have a major bearing on the race to reach the next stage, increasing the importance of Planas’ decision to bring Abdelkarim into his squad.