What Is Hamza Abdel Karim’s Position? Barcelona Include Forward in Istanbul Squad
Barcelona have travelled to Istanbul with Hamza Abdel Karim among their attacking options for Tuesday’s Champions League meeting with Galatasaray. The young player’s inclusion has prompted interest from supporters, particularly those asking: what position does Hamza Abdel Karim play?
Abdel Karim is a forward, primarily known for playing as a centre-forward. His role is to lead the attack, occupy opposing defenders and look for opportunities to finish chances inside the penalty area. Depending on the team’s shape and the demands of a match, a centre-forward can also drop deeper to link play or move into wider channels. Barcelona’s squad announcement does not confirm whether Abdel Karim will start, but his presence gives Hansi Flick another option in a fixture where the Catalans will be aiming to maintain their strong start in Europe.
Barcelona Take a 22-Man Squad to Face Galatasaray
Barcelona have named a 22-man travelling group for their Champions League clash at Rams Park, keeping the squad list previously announced by the club. The trip follows an emphatic 5-1 win over Feyenoord in the opening round of the competition, a result that gave the Catalans an early boost and raised expectations for their next European test.
A second victory would put Barcelona in a strong position in the group-stage standings. However, an away match in Istanbul brings a different challenge. Galatasaray are likely to benefit from a passionate home crowd, making concentration, defensive discipline and efficient use of possession important factors in the outcome.
Barcelona’s Goalkeepers and Defenders
Joan Garcia, Dominik Livakovic and Wojciech Szczesny are the goalkeepers named in the squad. Barcelona’s defensive options include Eric Garcia, Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Joao Cancelo, Alejandro Balde and Xavi Espart. The group offers Flick a mix of experience, versatility and youth as he considers how best to manage the demands of the match.
Eric Garcia is a particularly notable inclusion. He is set to make his first Champions League appearance of the season after serving a suspension connected to his dismissal against Atletico Madrid in the second leg of last season’s quarter-final. His return gives Barcelona an additional defensive option as they prepare for a potentially intense away fixture.
Midfield Choices and Attacking Options
The midfield group features Rodrigo Hernandez, Marc Bernal, Pedri, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez and Brian Farinas. That selection gives Flick different ways to shape the game, from controlling possession through the middle to adding energy and forward movement around the penalty area.
In attack, Barcelona have named Lamine Yamal, Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi, Gabriel Jesus and Hamza Abdel Karim. Abdel Karim’s inclusion is likely to attract attention because of his centre-forward profile. While the squad announcement alone offers no guarantee of minutes, having a natural striker available can provide tactical flexibility if Barcelona need a focal point in attack or a different option from the bench.
For fans following the latest football news, his presence is also a reminder that squad depth can matter over a long European campaign. Injuries, suspensions and a demanding fixture schedule can create opportunities for players beyond the usual starting group.
Injuries Continue to Affect Barcelona’s Plans
Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong remain unavailable, alongside Andreas Christensen and Roony Bardghji. Their absences limit Flick’s choices, although the club expects some players to return in the coming weeks.
Raphinha’s recovery is receiving particular attention. Barcelona president Joan Laporta has suggested that the Brazilian could be available for the meeting with Paris Saint-Germain on 20 October. His return would offer the team another experienced attacking option, but his fitness will depend on how his recovery progresses.
De Jong is also nearing a possible comeback. Flick expects the midfielder to feature against Sevilla next Saturday after he received medical clearance, which could bring an end to an absence lasting around three and a half months. His return would strengthen Barcelona’s midfield options during a busy stretch of domestic and European football.
Match Preparation and Prediction
Barcelona are scheduled to arrive in Istanbul around midday before travelling to their team hotel and continuing preparations for the match. Flick and Pau Cubarsi are expected to speak to the media at Rams Park, followed by a final training session at the stadium. The Catalans are expected to wear their black-and-purple second kit.
Any football prediction for this contest must account for both Barcelona’s impressive opening result and Galatasaray’s home advantage. Barcelona’s 5-1 win over Feyenoord suggests they have the attacking quality to trouble opponents, but an away match in Istanbul is unlikely to be straightforward. The hosts’ atmosphere could increase the pressure, particularly if they make a fast start.
Barcelona’s best route to another win may be to control possession without becoming predictable, protect against counterattacks and make their chances count. Players such as Yamal and Olmo can provide creativity, while the availability of centre-forward Abdel Karim offers an additional attacking profile. Still, the final outcome will depend on the starting line-up, match fitness and how effectively Barcelona handle Galatasaray’s energy.
Two wins from two would give Barcelona a valuable platform in the Champions League group stage. For Abdel Karim, the trip is an opportunity to be part of a major European fixture, even if his role remains uncertain. His position is clear: he is a forward, primarily a centre-forward, and his inclusion adds another potential option to Flick’s attack.
