Egypt youngster Hamza Abdel Karim set to miss Barcelona’s clash with Real Betis

Egyptian striker Hamza Abdel Karim is at risk of missing Barcelona’s Spanish League match against Real Betis on Saturday after training with the reserve team instead of Hansi Flick’s first-team squad.

The development suggests the forward could feature for Barcelona Athletic against Otepo on the same day, giving him an opportunity to gain more competitive playing time.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Abdel Karim trained with Barcelona Athletic in the morning before missing the first team’s evening session ahead of the Betis encounter.

Flick set to welcome back key players

Abdel Karim’s possible exclusion comes as Barcelona prepare to welcome back several key players.

Flick has confirmed that Brazilian Rafinha and Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong are ready to return after recovering from physical problems that kept them out during the previous period.

Their availability gives the German coach more options as he prepares to select his final squad for Saturday’s match.

Rafinha’s readiness has further strengthened the possibility that Abdel Karim will be left out of the first-team squad, despite having participated in training with the senior players in recent days.

Barcelona Athletic opportunity for Egyptian striker

Barcelona’s reported plan to give Abdel Karim an opportunity with the reserve team would allow the Egyptian striker to gain valuable competitive minutes and continue developing his game.

The move would offer him the chance to gain match experience rather than remain in the first-team squad without playing regularly.

Barcelona’s final decision is expected to become clear when the squad for the match against Real Betis is announced.

Regular involvement in matches remains an important opportunity for Abdel Karim as he seeks to gain experience and improve his chances of earning more opportunities with Barcelona’s first team in the future.