Hamza Abdelkarim has emerged as one of the biggest surprises in Egypt’s preliminary squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup after receiving a shock call-up from head coach Hossam Hassan.
The 18-year-old forward, who currently plays for FC Barcelona Juvenil A, was not widely expected to make the squad due to his limited experience at senior level. However, Hassan has opted to place faith in the youngster’s potential ahead of the tournament.
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Abdelkarim joined FC Barcelona earlier this year from Egyptian giants Al Ahly SC on a loan deal that includes an option to buy. Since arriving in Catalonia, the teenager has attracted attention with his performances in the club’s youth setup.
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah will captain Egypt at the tournament after being named in the provisional 27-man squad alongside Manchester City winger Omar Marmoush.
Egypt will trim the squad to 26 players after a friendly against Russia on 28 May. The Pharaohs are drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, New Zealand and Iran in the expanded 48-team World Cup hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Egypt World Cup squad
Goalkeepers: Mohamed El Shenawy (Al Ahly), Mostafa Shobeir (Al Ahly), El Mahdi Soliman (Zamalek), Mohamed Alaa (El Gouna).
Defenders: Mohamed Hany (Al Ahly), Tarek Alaa (Zed), Hamdy Fathy (Al Wakrah), Rami Rabia (Al Ain), Yasser Ibrahim (Al Ahly), Hossam Abdelmaguid (Zamalek), Mohamed Abdelmonemn (Nice), Ahmed Fatouh (Zamalek), Karim Hafez (Pyramids).
Midfielders: Marwan Ateya (Al Ahly), Mohanad Lasheen (Pyramids), Nabil Emad (Al Najma), Mahmoud Saber (Zed), Ahmed Zizo (Al Ahly), Emam Ashour (Al Ahly), Mostafa Ziko (Pyramids), Mahmoud Trezeguet (Al Ahly), Ibrahim Adel (Nordsjaelland), Haissem Hassan (Real Ovideo).
Forwards: Omar Marmoush (Manchester City), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Aqtay Abdallah (Enppi), Hamza Abdelkarim (Barcelona).
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