Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini admits he may buy in the January market.
Skipper Vincent Kompany is struggling with his fitness.
Asked whether it might force him into the transfer market if the Belgium centre-back continues to struggle, the City manager said: "You used the word 'if' but we have to wait and see. Let's see what happens in December, but we hope Vincent can continue in a normal way until the end of the season.
"We are doing all the things we need to in order to understand why he has so many injuries, but you must ask the doctor. I'm not a doctor. I talk with him, but I can't tell you the opinion. All I can say is he might be ready to join in working with the rest of the players in another week or so."
