Caley Thistle manager John Hughes says he does not have the funds to make any short-term signings to aid his side’s injury crisis.
Inverness have been rocked by the news captain Gary Warren faces several months out with a broken leg, suffered in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat by Motherwell.
Caley Jags’ squad was already stretched prior to the blow of losing 30-year-old skipper Warren, with Hughes naming only five substitutes for the Premiership opener against Well due to the injury absence of Aaron Doran, Carl Tremarco, James Vincent, Richie Foran and Jordan Roberts.
Defender Josh Meekings was also forced off at half-time after picking up a knock during the first-half.
Hughes has made five additions to his squad this summer, bringing in goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams, midfielders Roberts and Nat Wedderburn, along with forwards Dani Lopez and Andrea Mbuyi-Mutombo.
He says finances do not permit any further signings, adding: “Do we need to bring in players given injuries? We haven’t got the money for that.
“We’re working on a very tight budget, so we just need to get on with it. Hopefully, we can get one or two players back.
“It’s only one game into the season, and in the second half I was pleased with the way we played. We just have to be a bit more ruthless and maybe play over the top a bit more.”
Hughes’ latest summer addition was Congolese attacker Mbuyi-Mutombo, who came on as a first-half substitute during Saturday’s defeat.
The 25-year-old put in a promising performance, showing glimpses of skill, and, although Hughes says the former Portsmouth and Standard Liege attacker is still short of match fitness, he has backed Mbuyi-Mutombo to become an important player in his side.
Hughes added: “Andrea is going to be an exciting player for us. We played him all over the place on Saturday. He will be a favourite with the supporters.
“All credit to him. He plays with that energy and enthusiasm first and foremost, so anything else we get after that is a bonus.
“He gives us something different.
“One or two of them are still to get up to speed. Andrea and Dani Lopez will be getting worked this week.”