Barcelona winter signing currently dealing with minor muscle injury – report | OneFootball

Barcelona’s long-term project built around youth development appears to have encountered a minor setback, with winter arrival Hamza Abdelkarim currently sidelined due to a muscle issue.

The 19-year-old forward, who joined Barça Atlètic earlier this year, quickly became one of the most talked-about prospects within the club’s academy setup. 

His arrival generated genuine excitement, not just because of his profile, but due to the early promise he displayed on the pitch.

After making his debut in the Youth Honour Division, Abdelkarim established himself as a regular presence in the squad. 

His sharp movement, attacking instincts, and confidence in front of goal hinted at a player capable of making a significant impact in the near future.

A sudden absence

However, his sudden absence in recent weeks raised questions. 

The youngster’s last appearance came on 21 March, when he featured for half an hour in a defeat against Damm. 

Since then, he has been noticeably missing from matchday squads, including the recent clash against Nastic, which caught many by surprise.

Hamza Abdelkarim is currently injured. (Photo courtesy: FC Barcelona official website)

As per reports from SPORT, the reason behind his absence is now clear. 

Abdelkarim is dealing with a minor muscle injury, an issue that, while not serious, has been enough to keep him out of action temporarily.

Interestingly, the striker did not join Egypt national under-20 football team during the March international break. 

Instead, he remained close to the team, even attending the Barcelona reserve side’s local league encounter against Sant Andreu from the stands.

From a medical perspective, there is no major concern within the club. 

In fact, Barcelona’s staff are optimistic about his recovery, and early indications suggest that the forward could return within one to two weeks, depending on how his rehabilitation progresses.

While the timing of the injury is unfortunate, especially given the momentum he was building, it is unlikely to have any lasting impact on his development. 

For a young player still adapting to a new environment, such setbacks are part of the process.