Barcelona's Abdelkrim set for reserve return ahead of Betis clash

Barcelona forward Hamza Abdelkrim is expected to miss the first team's Real Betis match and instead feature for the reserve side against Utebo FC on Saturday.

• Abdelkrim trained with Barcelona Atlètic on Friday and missed the first team's final session before the Betis match.
• Reports said coach Hansi Flick will leave the Egyptian out of the squad so he can face Utebo FC with the reserve team on Saturday.
• Flick confirmed Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong have recovered and are available for the Betis match.
• Abdelkrim has played 12 minutes across two first-team appearances this season, without scoring or assisting.
• Flick officially announced Barcelona's squad for Saturday's Betis match, confirming Abdelkrim was left out to play for Barcelona Athletic.
• A source inside Barcelona said Abdelkrim was left out because the 23-player limit was reached after De Jong and Raphinha returned from injury.
• Sport reported the decision followed internal discussions about giving the 18-year-old more playing time, matching the player's wish to prioritize matches.
• Flick can still call Abdelkrim up, with early Copa del Rey rounds seen as a potential opportunity for his return.