Barcelona turn to Egyptian talent Hamza Abdelkarim amid Rafinha injury

Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim has emerged as one of the options Barcelona coach Hansi Flick is considering to replace Rafinha if the Brazilian winger fails to recover from injury in time to face Getafe.

Rafinha is currently recovering from a right thigh muscle problem which forced him to leave the Brazil squad and return to Barcelona for treatment.

Barcelona are hopeful the injury, described as swelling following medical tests, will not keep him out for an extended period. The Catalan club are targeting his return ahead of the match against Getafe on 10 October.

Abdelkarim among Flick’s alternatives

According to Mundo Deportivo, Flick has six possible solutions should Rafinha be unavailable or the German coach decide against risking him.

One of those options is Abdelkarim, who has made just four minutes of first-team football for Barcelona so far.

The Ghanaian youngster could therefore receive an opportunity to play a more prominent role if Flick chooses to rotate his attacking options.

Abdelkarim’s inclusion underlines the pathway available to young African talent at one of Europe’s biggest clubs, although he remains behind several more established players in Flick’s plans.

Gabriel Jesus leads the alternatives

Gabriel Jesus is currently the most prominent option available to Flick after Barcelona signed the Brazilian from Arsenal for 10m euros following their unsuccessful attempt to recruit Julian Alvarez.

Jesus has appeared in four of Barcelona’s five official matches without starting, but has already scored twice in only 39 minutes of action against Racing and Feyenoord.

Flick had previously considered using Anthony Gordon as a central forward before Jesus arrived, while Karim Adeyemi was another player discussed for the role.

Adeyemi was subsequently dropped from consideration because Flick was not convinced about using him as a striker.

Olmo, Lopez and Yamal also considered

Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez provide further alternatives because both can operate in a central attacking role when required.

Neither is a traditional striker, but their movement, pressing ability and willingness to attack the penalty area could allow them to fill the position depending on the demands of the game.

Lamine Yamal is another possibility, although the option is considered less likely.

The Spain international normally operates from the right wing, where his ability to take on defenders is one of his main strengths, but Flick has previously considered moving him into a more central role.

Rafinha’s importance to Barcelona

Rafinha’s absence would represent a significant issue for Barcelona given his influence since the beginning of the season.

The Brazilian has scored 14 goals and provided three assists, contributing directly in seven of Barcelona’s eight official matches.

Barcelona will therefore hope he can recover in time for the Getafe fixture, but Flick now has several alternatives, including youngster Abdelkarim, should the winger remain unavailable.