Paul Martinez, the media officer for Barcelona's first team, explained the reason for Hamza Abdul Karim's change of shirt number against Al Ahly, after he had worn number 9 in previous matches.
Hamza Abdul Karim played five matches during Barcelona's pre-season camp before the start of the new season, appearing in four of them wearing the number 9 shirt, before donning number 29 in the Joan Gamper Trophy match against Al Ahly.
Hamza Abdul Karim's shirt number
Barcelona's media officer said in his statements to Yalla Kora on Saturday: "During the preparation period, some players change their shirt numbers depending on the circumstances of each match and who is participating in it."
He continued: "For example, Hamza received the number 9 shirt at the beginning of the preparation period, but during the last match (against Al Ahly), he was wearing the number 29 shirt."
He added: "Now, he is playing with the first team, but he is still registered with Barça Atlètic (the reserve team)."
He went on: "You must also consider that there are specific numbers assigned to reserve team players when they participate with the first team."
He concluded by saying: "It is not expected that Hamza will receive any number from 1 to 25 as long as he is registered with the reserve team squad and is present with the first team."
Hamza Abdul Karim shone for Barcelona during the preparation period and managed to score four goals in five matches.
Barcelona opens its La Liga season against Elche tomorrow, Sunday, in an away match. Hamza Abdul Karim's chances of being included in the team's squad are not yet clear, and the absence of a striker signing may be the biggest factor supporting his inclusion in the team's trip.
