Barcelona have issued an informal warning regarding the potential risks of 18-year-old forward Hamza Abdelkarim featuring for the Egyptian national team against South Sudan, citing concerns over the artificial turf pitch in Juba that could expose the young attacker to injury.
According to Spanish daily Sport, a sense of apprehension prevails within the Catalan club as officials closely monitor the player’s international involvement, hoping he finishes the fixture without physical setbacks that could disrupt his progress with the first team.
Abdelkarim’s chances of starting Tuesday’s AFCON 2027 qualifier on September 29 have increased following a 30-minute substitute appearance during Egypt’s goalless draw against Angola.
His potential inclusion comes as Mohamed Salah skips the Juba fixture under a pre-arranged agreement with the coaching staff to avoid playing on artificial surfaces, positioning Abdelkarim as a prime candidate to fill the attacking void.
Furthermore, Egypt’s technical staff opted to exclude OGC Nice defender Mohamed Abdelmonem following a medical advisory from the French club warning against exposing his reconstructed knee—following a lengthy ACL recovery—to artificial turf.
Barcelona’s caution stems from the high regard in which they hold the young forward. Having initially signed Abdelkarim on loan before triggering his permanent purchase clause, the club extended his contract through 2033 while raising his release clause from €15 million to €150 million.
Although the 18-year-old has logged just five minutes of first-team action this season, he remains a regular fixture in matchday squads and training sessions despite fierce competition following the arrival of Gabriel Jesus and Raphinha’s occasional deployment as a central striker.
Barcelona’s management plans to grant Abdelkarim between 10 to 15 first-team appearances this season as part of his gradual integration, intending to retain him past the January transfer window despite anticipating loan inquiries if his playing time remains restricted.
