Barcelona’s Hamza Abdelkarim pushes for Elche chance as Hansi Flick weighs attacking options

Hansi Flick has praised young Egypt striker Hamza Abdelkarim after an impressive pre-season, but says he has yet to decide who will lead Barcelona’s attack against Elche on Sunday.

The La Liga match will be Barcelona’s first game of the season after their opening fixture was postponed. It comes as speculation continues over the club’s interest in Atletico de Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, although Flick refused to discuss the Argentina international during his news conference on Saturday.

“I don’t know what you want to hear, but I am saying what I said before. I will not talk about Julian. I don’t want to talk about this matter. As I said before, I do not talk about players from other teams,” said Flick when asked about Alvarez’s situation at Atletico.

The German was then questioned about whether he was concerned that the proposed move could fail.

“That does not worry me. I do not talk about players from other teams. We want to make the team stronger. It is about the team and the club, not one player or me. Deco and I know what we want. He has done a great job,” Flick said.

Flick was more willing to discuss Abdelkarim, who has impressed during Barcelona’s preparations and could be involved against Elche.

“Hamza had a great pre-season. He is a number nine, young, has a lot of potential and scored goals. That is what is important when you play in this position. He has done a great job,” Flick said, in comments reported by AS.

Asked who would start in the centre-forward role, Flick indicated that Barcelona have several possibilities and did not confirm a preferred option.

“There are many options in the attacking line. As for the first option, I am not sure. I think it will not be difficult,” he said.

The Barcelona manager also confirmed that Joao Cancelo is available to feature against Elche. The Portugal defender returned to the squad after previously contributing to the team last season.

“Yes, he can play tomorrow. He is ready to play. He has great quality and great passion. He gave us a lot last season,” Flick said.

Alejandro Balde’s position was also raised during the conference, with Flick stressing that every player must demonstrate their readiness on a daily basis.

“It is a difficult question. Balde has great quality. For me, it is important, as I have said before, that you are able to compete for your position every time, and that is what I want to see from every player. I see what they do every day and what they prove to me to show that they are ready to play at the highest level.

“We need everyone. In the end, we will only achieve success as a team. We need everyone to be 100% committed to us.”

Flick’s comments leave Abdelkarim’s involvement against Elche uncertain, while Barcelona continue to assess their attacking options ahead of their delayed start to the league campaign.