Hamza Abdelkarim joins FC Barcelona Atlético due to lack of playing minutes

Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim has joined FC Barcelona Atletic training after the club decided to return him to the second team to give him a chance to participate in matches and gain more playing time, given the difficulty of securing regular opportunities with the first team.

Spanish newspaper "Sport" reported that the 18-year-old player did not participate in first-team training on Friday, instead taking part in the reserve team's training in preparation for the match against Utibo on Saturday in the league at Johan Cruyff Stadium.

The decision came after internal discussions at FC Barcelona regarding the limited participation of the Egyptian forward, who has not received more than 12 minutes with the first team under coach Hans Flick during two brief appearances.

The newspaper explained that Flick has preferred to wait before making a decision, given his desire to finalize his options for the central striker position, especially after the failed attempt to sign the Argentine Julián Alvarez due to Atlético's refusal to let him go, along with the arrival of the Brazilian Gabriel Jesus, in addition to Raphinha's impressive performances in the striker role during some matches.

The report added that Raphinha's return to group training after recovering from injury has increased competition in the forward line. Flick also experimented with Dani Olmo in the false nine position during the match against Galatasaray, while having the option to include Anthony Gordon up front, which has reduced Hamza Abdelkarim's chances of participation.

Moving to the reserve team is a suitable solution for both parties; the Egyptian forward will get the chance to play regularly, while FC Barcelona will benefit from his abilities, with the possibility of recalling him to the first team for matches that Flick deems appropriate, especially in the early rounds of the Copa del Rey.

In a surprising turn of events, Hamza Abdelkarim has yet to play an official match with FC Barcelona Atletic, having moved directly from the under-19 youth team to the first team.