Barcelona coach Hansi Flick promised Hamza Abdelkarim a future opportunity but did not confirm whether the forward will face Rayo Vallecano.
Flick addressed Abdelkarim’s absence from Barcelona’s opening two league matches during his press conference on Sunday.
“He deserves to play, and he will play,” Flick said. “I see him improving day by day. He has the right attitude and mentality.”
Flick added that Barcelona should give Abdelkarim minutes and an opportunity to demonstrate his quality in a league match.
However, the German coach provided no date for the 18-year-old’s competitive first-team debut. He also stopped short of confirming his involvement against Rayo.
Barcelona host Rayo Vallecano at Camp Nou on Monday, August 31. The defending champions have won their opening two league matches against Elche and Athletic Club.
Abdelkarim joined Saturday’s first-team training session as Barcelona prepared for the game. The Egyptian has not played competitively for Barcelona’s senior side despite impressing during pre-season.
He scored twice on his unofficial first-team debut against Birmingham City. He then found the net against Basel and former club Al Ahly.
Flick currently has several options upfront. He has used Raphinha as an emergency striker and said Fermín López could also fill the position. Abdelkarim therefore faces competition for minutes, although Flick’s comments are his clearest promise yet of a league opportunity.
Barcelona are also reportedly considering improved contract terms for Abdelkarim and a possible €150 million release clause. The Blaugrana completed his permanent transfer from Al Ahly in June after activating the purchase option in his loan agreement.