Barcelona are reportedly monitoring Hamza Abdelkarim’s involvement with Egypt ahead of Tuesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan, with concerns surrounding the artificial playing surface at Juba Stadium.
The Spanish club are said to be keeping a close watch on the young forward as Egypt prepare for their second Group B fixture, particularly with captain Mohamed Salah absent from the squad.
Abdelkarim could take on a greater role in attack against South Sudan after making his debut in Egypt’s opening qualifier against Angola.
The Barcelona forward came off the bench in the second half of Friday’s goalless draw at the Cairo International Stadium, replacing Haitham Hassan and playing 28 minutes.
His potential involvement from the start in Juba would give him an opportunity to assume greater responsibility in Hossam Hassan’s attack with Salah unavailable.
Reports suggest Barcelona would prefer Abdelkarim to avoid any physical problems during the match, with the artificial surface at Juba Stadium becoming a particular point of attention.
Salah himself was left out of the trip to South Sudan amid concerns over the artificial pitch, while Egypt have also rested defender Mohamed Abdel Moneim for the fixture.
The Pharaohs travelled to Juba looking for their first victory of the qualifying campaign after being held to a 0-0 draw by Angola in their opener.
The result left Egypt with one point from their opening Group B match, making Tuesday’s encounter an important opportunity to begin building momentum in the qualifying campaign.
South Sudan, meanwhile, will be looking to take advantage of home conditions as they host one of the group’s leading sides.
Egypt are in Group B alongside South Sudan, Angola and Malawi, with Tuesday’s meeting at Juba Stadium marking their second fixture of the campaign.
For Abdelkarim, the match could represent another significant step in his development with the national team, particularly if he is handed a starting role in Salah’s absence.
