Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has admitted that January's African Cup of Nations could dismantle the clubs season.
Redknapp's main issue is his lack of fit central defenders and with Sebastien Bassong heading over to Angola for the tournament with Cameroon, Spurs will have just one centre-back in action - Michael Dawson.
With skipper Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate both sidelined because of injury, Redknapp's central defensive stocks are well down and the departure of Bassong for up to a month could be disastrous.
Add to that Bassong's Cameroon teammate Benoit Assou-Ekotto also on international duty for January and Redknapp needs a quick fix.
"It's a disaster really for us. Ledley has had a lot of fluid drained off his knee so he's out. Woody is a slow, slow job. I have no idea when they are going to be fit," he said.
"It is going to be a problem when Bassong goes. We'll be OK at left-back as we have Gareth Bale, but we have a problem at centre-half if the other two boys don't get fit.
"But you know that when you sign them I suppose. It's a chance you take, but hopefully they'll get knocked out in the first round!"
Despite his issues, Redknapp says he will not attempt to buy a centre-half in the January transfer window but will use current squad members to fill the holes.
"It will be difficult to get someone else in. I've got four and if the other two lads can come back fit we'll be OK," he added.
"I'm unlikely to go for a centre-half. Vedran Corluka can play there, Tom Huddlestone can play there."