According to a report by Barca Universal on Friday, October 16, 2026, Barcelona teenage striker Hamza Abdelkarim has reportedly been left out of first-team training under manager Hansi Flick and has instead joined Barça Atlètic as he prepares for a possible appearance against Utebo.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the 18-year-old Egyptian forward trained with Barcelona’s reserve squad under coach Juliano Belletti. The move is expected to give him more opportunities to gain valuable competitive experience and continue developing his abilities.

Abdelkarim completed a permanent move to Barcelona during the summer after impressing while on loan with Juvenil A in the second half of last season. His performances also caught attention during pre-season, when he finished as the senior team's leading scorer with four goals.

Despite his promising displays, the young forward has struggled to secure regular playing time with the first team this season. Reports indicate that he has accumulated only 12 minutes of action, making brief appearances against Rayo Vallecano and Getafe.

The competition for attacking positions has presented a significant challenge for Abdelkarim. Barcelona have several established options available, including Raphinha, Gabriel Jesus and Dani Olmo, making it difficult for the teenager to earn more opportunities. Raphinha’s return from injury has reportedly further reduced the need for the Egyptian youngster to remain with the senior squad.

Barcelona are believed to understand that consistent playing time is essential for Abdelkarim’s development. Joining Barça Atlètic could allow him to improve his match fitness, gain valuable experience and adjust more effectively to the demands of senior football.

The reserve side have enjoyed an encouraging beginning to their Segunda Federación campaign, recording five victories in their opening six matches and scoring 13 goals. Abdelkarim could strengthen their attacking options as they prepare for their upcoming meeting with Utebo.

Although his move to the reserve team represents a temporary step away from the senior setup, it does not necessarily indicate that Barcelona have lost confidence in his potential. Instead, regular appearances could help him regain momentum, improve his performances and increase his chances of earning further opportunities under Flick.

For Abdelkarim, the immediate priority will be to make the most of any opportunities with Barça Atlètic and demonstrate that he is ready to compete at a higher level. Strong performances could eventually help him work his way back into Barcelona’s first-team plans.