Hamza Abdelkarim leads Barcelona’s attack against Al-Ahly: signings absent

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has named his starting line-up for Wednesday evening’s Joan Gamper Trophy friendly against Egypt’s Al Ahly at the Camp Nou.

Flick handed a start to young Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim, who faces his former club for the first time since joining the Catalans in the last winter transfer window.

Deployed as a centre-forward, Abdelkarim leads the line ahead of Lamine Yamal and new captain Raphinha, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The Al Ahly clash marks Yamal’s first start in a warm-up game for the 2026-2027 season.

Flick left out every one of Barça’s recent signings. Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi, Jesse Bissio and Rodri, who only arrived on Tuesday, all missed the cut.

Barcelona open their season against Elche next Sunday in the second round of the Spanish league, with their opening-round fixture against Athletic Bilbao postponed.

Al Ahly, meanwhile, take on El Sharkia Enppi the same day in the first round of the Egyptian league.

Barcelona’s full line-up:

Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia.

Defence: Alejandro Balde, Gerard Martin, Eric Garcia, Jules Kounde.

Midfield: Xavi Espart, Marc Bernal, Fermin Lopez.

Attack: Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Hamza Abdelkarim.