Abdelkarim set for Barca Atletic duty instead of Betis match
Hamza Abdelkarim will miss Barcelona's match against Real Betis on Saturday and is expected to play for Barca Atletic instead. The striker did not train with the first team on Friday and has seen only 12 minutes of action under Hansi Flick. He is set to face Utebo for Juliano Belletti's side, which sits top of the table after six games.
Hamza Abdelkarim is not expected to feature for Barcelona against Real Betis on Saturday. Instead, the forward is lined up for Barca Atletic, Juliano Belletti's team, in their fixture with Utebo at Estadi Johan Cruyff.
The 12 minutes he has played under Hansi Flick have fueled discussion about his first-team role. After training Friday with the reserve side rather than the senior squad, he now gets a chance to build match sharpness for a Barca Atletic outfit that leads the table after six games and has won four in a row.
This decision could affect Barcelona supporters, Barca Atletic followers, and young players seeking first-team pathways. It may give Abdelkarim valuable minutes and strengthen Belletti's side, while also highlighting tensions between immediate first-team needs and development. For fans, it could mean less attacking depth on the senior bench, but also a chance to see a prospect contribute in a competitive reserve fixture.