Shkodran Mustafi is among the options on Barcelona’s January transfer list after an injury to Gerard Pique ruled the defender out for a number of months.

Late last month, reports suggested Gerard Pique would miss at least three or four months with a knee injury. It could be closer to six to eight months if Barcelona’s knee specialist decides the player needs surgery.

As a result, the club are considering their options for the rest of the season. There are various centre-backs they could bring in during the winter transfer window, or they could draw on their academy and reserve options.

Mundo Deportivo report that Shkodran Mustafi is among the options for Barcelona if they make a signing. Mustafi is about to enter the final six months of his Arsenal contract, so you’d imagine the club would listen to any offers for him.

Mustafi may well have left over the summer if he’d been fit, but in the pandemic-affected market, no one is really taking risks on injured players.

The Germany international has made five appearances since his injury comeback, but no starts in the Premier League just yet. All three of his starts came in the Europa League group stage.

Barcelona will be aware of Mustafi’s performances in La Liga with Valencia, but they’ll also know of his struggles in North London. It would be strange to see them move for him in January, but not completely impossible in the circumstances.