Hamza Abdelkarim's situation: the expected line-up for the Barcelona v Elche match

The defending champion looks for a strong start

Barcelona begin their 2026-2027 La Liga campaign this Sunday evening, travelling to face Elche after their first-round fixture was postponed.

Spanish newspaper "Mundo Deportivo" has revealed the Catalan side's expected line-up for the trip to the "Martinez Valero" stadium.

Champions in each of the last two seasons, Barcelona want a strong start to the defence of their title. The players who reached the advanced stages of the World Cup were handed an additional rest period.

Hamza Abdelkarim's situation

Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim has a chance of starting against Elche, according to "Mundo Deportivo", after firmly imposing himself during pre-season.

Hamza tops Barcelona's scoring charts in pre-season with 4 goals. That has put him firmly into Hansi Flick's calculations ahead of the new campaign.

The newspaper says he is competing to lead the attack as an out-and-out striker, given Flick could instead deploy Raphinha or Gordon in the "false nine" role.

Yet the expected line-up published by the paper leaves Hamza on the bench. Gordon comes in as the centre-forward, while Raphinha and Lamine Yamal take up positions on the flanks.

Rodri's situation

Rodri Hernandez will not feature against Elche, despite being officially registered with the team.

The report explained that the Spanish midfielder has yet to take part in group training with Barcelona, needing more physical fitness after starting pre-season late.

Rodri is expected to join the group tomorrow, Monday, with the date of his first appearance to be determined by his fitness.

Joao Cancelo, another late arrival, should make the squad after two weeks of training with Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia.

Barcelona's expected line-up

Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia.

Defence: Alejandro Balde, Gerard Martin, Andreas Christensen, Eric Garcia.

Midfield: Marc Casado, Fermin Lopez, Marc Bernal.

Attack: Raphinha, Gordon, Lamine Yamal.

Elche's expected line-up

Goalkeeper: Dituro.

Defence: Sanjari, Affengruber, Redondo, Chust, Valera. Midfield: Viar, Aguado. Attack: Houari, Fer Nino, Sebida.

Read also Threatening his place or protecting his future: does Barcelona's new forward serve Hamza Abdelkarim?