Mustafi or Rudiger
Barcelona have been dealt several defensive blows this season with Gerard Pique suffering a long-term affliction, Samuel Umtiti’s persistent fitness problems continuing and even Clement Lenglet being taken off against Osasuna.
Ronaldo Koeman hopes the latter is not serious but it will likely not stop the Blaugrana from searching for reinforcement in a month when the winter window opens.
Spanish media are reporting that both Arsenal’s Shkodran Mustafi and Chelsea’s Antonio Rudiger are options for the Catalan club. Since the arrival of Gabriel from Lille, Mikel Arteta has preferred to use David Luiz and Rob Holding as Premier League partners for the Brazilian signing.
Mustafi was injured in the FA semi-final win against Manchester City after enjoying a brief renaissance period under Arteta. This injury persisted into the new season and the German has only just returned. The 28-year-old has also reportedly rejected the offer of a new contract meaning a cut-price deal in January will likely be available for Barcelona to pounce on.
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 02: Antonio Rudiger of Chelsea arrives at the stadium ahead of the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Fulham FC at Stamford Bridge on December 1, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Rudiger meanwhile, is hopeful of earning a place in the Germany squad for the European Championships in 2021. Kurt Zouma and Thiago Silva have been Frank Lampard’s preferred choice leaving the former Roma defender lacking in game time.
Barcelona could opt for the slightly younger German however with his contract lasting until 2022, he would be expectantly more expensive than the Gunner’s centre-back.
Koeman rests Messi
Koeman has decided to use the match against Ferencvaros to rest several first team players as Barca look to recover their La Liga form. Champions League qualification is already assured and it has been deemed unnecessary to play the Argentine.
“With this season’s schedule, there are two moments where Messi can rest, in Kiev and tomorrow,” Ronald Koeman said.
“From tomorrow, there will be no more opportunities. Being qualified already also influences the decision. The game on Saturday is very important for La Liga.”
Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi reacts after Bayern Munich’s third goal during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final football match between Barcelona and Bayern Munich at the Luz stadium in Lisbon on August 14, 2020. (Photo by Manu Fernandez / POOL / AFP) (Photo by MANU FERNANDEZ/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
The Dutch coach was also asked on the upcoming elections with has seen several candidates come out in support of the former Everton manager.
“The elections don’t bother me,” he said. “I have a two-year contract. When I signed with Barcelona I knew there would be elections this season. We, the players and the coaches, have to work hard to get the best results and we’ll see what happens.”
Barcelona sit 7th in the table with two games in hand over first place Real Sociedad. Winning both would take them within 4 points of the Basque side. However, Atletico Madrid remain the current favourites who sit 9 points higher than the Blaugrana but having played the same number of games.
