Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has admitted that he will consider moving into the transfer market to solve his striking injury crisis.
Edin Dzeko joined Sergio Aguero and Stevan Jovetic on the sidelines after picking up a calf injury in the warm-up session before their 1-0 win over Leicester City on Saturday.
The trio are poised to be out until the New Year, leaving Pellegrini with just teenage forward Jose Angel Pozo as his only striking option, and the Chilean has admitted that he could be forced into action in January if his injury problems persist.
Pellegrini told reporters: "The transfer market is an option for us and it has been since we sold Alvaro Negredo.
"We have been punished by UEFA and must have less players, but we have spent a lot less money this year. Until then, we must continue to play in the same way."
City are second in the Premier League following their win over the Foxes, which came courtesy of Frank Lampard's 175th Premier League goal.
Simon Sinclair
