English Premier League
Karim Adeyemi set for Barcelona debut as Hamza Abdelkarim starts against Birmingham City
Barcelona will begin their second pre-season friendly on Friday evening with Karim Adeyemi set to make his first appearance for the club, while Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim has been named in the starting XI against Birmingham City at St Andrew’s.
Head coach Hansi Flick has selected the summer signing Adeyemi from the outset for the meeting with the English Championship side, who are aiming to earn promotion to the Premier League. Abdelkarim has also been handed another starting opportunity, underlining his growing importance in Flick’s plans.
Adeyemi’s inclusion marks the German winger’s first match in a Barcelona shirt since joining the Catalan club during the summer transfer window. His selection represents a clear indication of the confidence Flick has in his ability and of the role he could play during the coming season.
The friendly will give Adeyemi the chance to demonstrate his qualities alongside his new team-mates and begin adapting to Barcelona’s approach. With competitive fixtures approaching, the coaching staff will also be looking for the 23-year-old to build his understanding with the rest of the squad.
Abdelkarim, meanwhile, has been selected in the starting line-up for the second consecutive match. The decision strengthens the impression that Flick is considering the young Egyptian as part of his longer-term first-team plans.
The forward will be hoping to produce another influential display and strengthen his position within the senior squad. Competition for places in attack is expected to be intense, making the fixture an important opportunity for Abdelkarim to make a positive impression.
Flick’s starting line-up is Wojciech Szczesny in goal, with Xavi Espart, Andreas Christensen, Gerard Martin and Jofre Torrents forming the defence.
Marc Casado and Marc Bernal are selected in midfield, while Adeyemi, 16-year-old Ebrima Tunkara and Shane Kluivert are also included. Abdelkarim completes the attacking line-up.
Barcelona have named a strong group of substitutes, giving Flick the opportunity to make extensive changes during the match. Ronald Araujo, Kochen, Raphinha, Fermin Lopez and Pescue are among the alternatives available from the bench.
The fixture against Birmingham City is Barcelona’s second friendly as they continue their preparations for the new campaign. It offers Adeyemi his first opportunity to play for the club and gives Abdelkarim another chance to show that he can remain part of Flick’s plans beyond pre-season.
Birmingham City, meanwhile, provide the opposition at St Andrew’s as they pursue their ambition of returning to the Premier League.
