FC Barcelona have confirmed that Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim is close to returning to action after recovering from a recent muscle injury that sidelined him in recent weeks.
The 19-year-old, who plays for Barcelona’s under-19 side, has been absent since the beginning of April after sustaining a minor injury. While not considered serious, it prevented him from participating in youth league fixtures during a crucial stage of the season.
A source within the Catalan club indicated that the player is now nearing full fitness and could make his comeback soon.
“Hamza Abdelkarim is almost fully recovered and may return to play in Sunday’s match. It’s not certain, but it’s a strong possibility.”
Potential Return Against Cornella
Barcelona’s under-19 team are set to face UE Cornellà in the 28th round of the youth league, with the match scheduled for Sunday.
The Catalan side currently sit at the top of the standings with 64 points, while Cornellà are positioned 14th with 23 points. Abdelkarim’s potential return could provide an additional attacking option as Barcelona aim to maintain their lead.
Delayed Start to Barcelona Career
Abdelkarim’s journey at Barcelona has been marked by early challenges. After joining the club in January on loan from Al Ahly SC, his official debut was delayed due to administrative procedures.
He eventually made his first appearance on 8 March in a youth league match against SD Huesca. Despite the team not securing victory, the Egyptian forward made an immediate impression by winning a penalty and scoring a goal.
That performance was seen as a promising introduction, raising expectations for his role within the squad.
Inconsistent Appearances Follow
However, Abdelkarim has since struggled to maintain consistent involvement in the starting line-up. His appearances have been intermittent, although he did feature as a starter in the semi-final of the King’s Youth Cup held in Lugo.
His most recent outing came on 21 March, when he played for 30 minutes in a defeat to Dam, before his injury halted his progress.
Loan Deal and Future Prospects
The forward joined Barcelona on a loan deal that includes an option to buy for €1.5m, with additional performance-related bonuses that could raise the total fee by a further €3m.
As he works towards full fitness, the remainder of the season could prove crucial in determining whether the club opts to make his move permanent.
Opportunity to Rebuild Momentum
Abdelkarim’s imminent return offers him a chance to regain momentum and build on the promise he showed during his debut. With Barcelona leading the league and entering a decisive phase, opportunities to contribute could play a significant role in shaping his future at the club.
Key Moment for Young Egyptian Talent
Hamza Abdelkarim’s recovery comes at an important stage of the season, both for Barcelona’s title ambitions and his own development. After a stop-start introduction to life in Spain, the young forward now has the opportunity to re-establish himself and demonstrate his potential. Whether he can translate early promise into consistent performances may determine the next step in his career.
