Egyptian youngster Hamza Abdelkarim could get another opportunity to feature for Barcelona after Brazilian forward Rafinha was ruled out of Saturday’s La Liga match against Getafe because of a muscle injury.
Barcelona are preparing to host Getafe at Camp Nou in the eighth round of the Spanish league, with kick-off scheduled for Sunday. Raphinha’s absence could give the 18-year-old Egyptian a chance to earn minutes, although he is expected to begin the match on the bench.
Raphinha missed Barcelona’s training session on Friday morning, confirming that he had not recovered sufficiently to be considered for the encounter.
The Brazilian sustained a right hamstring injury while representing his country during the recent international break. Although there had been hopes that he would return in time to face Getafe, Barcelona’s coaching staff, led by Hansi Flick, appear unwilling to risk aggravating the problem.
His absence has created an opening in the attacking department, offering Abdelkarim an opportunity to impress if he is called upon during the match.
Raphinha’s absence creates an opportunity
Raphinha has been used in a central attacking role since the beginning of the season, making his unavailability significant as Barcelona prepare for the visit of the Madrid-based side.
The situation could allow Abdelkarim to move closer to the first-team action, although the Egyptian teenager faces competition for a place in the attack.
Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus is expected to be the leading candidate to start as Barcelona’s central striker. Jesus has been receiving substitute appearances since his reported move from Arsenal, but Saturday’s fixture could provide him with an opportunity to take on a starting role.
With Jesus expected to lead the attack, Abdelkarim is likely to have to wait for his opportunity from the bench. However, Rafinha’s injury could increase the possibility of the Egyptian being introduced during the second half.
For the young forward, even a brief appearance would provide another chance to demonstrate his ability and continue adapting to the demands of first-team football in Spain.
Barcelona have yet to confirm that Abdelkarim will feature against Getafe, meaning his involvement will depend on Flick’s selection decisions and the circumstances of the match.
Abdelkarim arrives after scoring for Egypt
The teenager heads into the fixture after an encouraging international break with Egypt, during which he scored his first goal for the senior national team.
Abdelkarim found the net in Egypt’s 5-0 victory over South Sudan in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match, marking an important moment in his development.
The goal could provide a confidence boost as he continues to pursue opportunities at Barcelona, where competition for attacking positions remains strong.
His progress with the Egyptian national team has also added to the attention surrounding his potential role at club level, particularly as injuries and changes in selection create opportunities for younger players.
Abdelkarim has already made his first-team debut for Barcelona, coming on as a substitute for four minutes during the club’s victory over Rayo Vallecano in the third round of La Liga.
Although that appearance was brief, it represented an important step in his introduction to senior football at the Catalan club.
Another chance to impress Flick
Saturday’s meeting with Getafe could offer Abdelkarim another opportunity to gain valuable experience with Barcelona’s first team.
Raphinha’s absence has increased the possibility of the Egyptian being included in the matchday plans, but Jesus remains the expected choice to lead the attack from the start.
If Abdelkarim comes on during the second half, he will have an opportunity to build on his previous appearance against Rayo Vallecano and his recent international success with Egypt.
For now, the young forward will be waiting to see whether Flick gives him another chance as Barcelona look to secure a positive result against Getafe.
