Barcelona hand Anthony Gordon starting role as Hamza Abdulkarim waits for his chance

Barcelona have named Anthony Gordon in their starting XI for the La Liga meeting with Athletic Club, while Egyptian youngster Hamza Abdulkarim has been included among the substitutes.

Hansi Flick has made several changes to the side that began the previous match against Elche. The most notable alteration comes in defence, where Pau Cubarsi returns to the back four.

Pedri also comes into the starting line-up in midfield, while new signing Rodri has been left on the bench for the game.

Gordon’s inclusion is one of the main talking points before kick-off. The England winger starts for Barcelona, although his precise role remains a point of interest because Flick could use Raphinha as a central striker or move him back to the left wing.

Barcelona’s starting XI is:

Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia.

Defenders: Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Xavi Espart.

Midfielders: Marc Bernal, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Raphinha.

Forward: Anthony Gordon.

The substitutes are Inaki Pena, Wojciech Szczesny, Joao Cancelo, Alejandro Balde, Karim Adeyemi, Andreas Christensen, Rodri, Dani Olmo, Jules Kounde, Brian Farinas and Hamza Abdulkarim.

Hamza Abdulkarim, the talented Egyptian, therefore begins the match on the bench rather than making his start for Barcelona. His inclusion in the matchday squad leaves open the possibility of an appearance later in the contest, depending on how the game develops.

Flick’s selection gives Barcelona a reshaped defensive unit with Pau Cubarsi restored, while Pedri’s return to the starting side strengthens the midfield. Rodri’s place among the substitutes means the new arrival will have to wait for his opportunity to make an impact from the bench.

The attacking structure is also expected to attract attention. Gordon has been trusted from the outset, but the positioning of Raphinha could determine how Barcelona’s front line functions. He may operate through the middle, allowing Gordon to occupy a wider area, or return to the left flank if Flick opts for a different arrangement.

Athletic Club have also announced their starting XI for the fixture through their official team graphic. The match is being played as part of the Spanish league campaign, with both sides confirming their line-ups before the contest.

Barcelona’s published team announcement carried the message:

LINE UP 🔵🔴 #BarcaAthletic

Athletic Club’s announcement was headed:

📋 STARTING XI 🆚 @FCBarcelona Our Lions! #BarcaAthletic #AthleticClub 🦁