Boss Sergej Jakirovic admits Hull City are down to the bare bones for Saturday’s trip to Southampton (15:00 GMT).
The Tigers could climb into the Championship’s top four with a fourth win in five away games but a swathe of injuries has left the Bosnian with just 12 senior players to call on.
Jakirovic told BBC Radio Humberside: “It is the first time since I have coached I have so many injuries. The medical staff are giving everything to get the players back on the pitch. It’s a contact sport. It’s a mix of injuries.
“I think we have 11 players right now off the pitch, we have 12 senior players.”
Jakirovic admitted he was “very concerned” the injury crisis could derail his side’s promising season, adding: “This is not even close to the same team that beat Southampton at home (in September). You cannot replace every player, it’s not possible. We have a lack of quality in some positions.
“We showed we are fighting, no matter who is on the pitch and it’s a chance for someone who didn’t play a lot until now to grab their chance and show their quality.
“We have a lot of problems, this is not an alibi, this is real. I must fix something. I must find the solution. I will put out the best XI I have in the moment.”
Jakirovic said he was “not so optimistic” that midfielder Darko Gyabi will only be sidelined for eight to 12 weeks after surgery on a groin injury sustained against Blackburn on Sunday, while forward Enes Destan is stepping up his recovery from a knee injury but will not play before February.
Full-back Cody Drameh could be out until March with a thigh injury while midfielder Eliot Matazo has suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee injury and could miss another six weeks.
On the plus side, Matt Crooks is 50-50 to face Southampton after pulling out of the warm-up against Blackburn following a dead leg, while Semi Ajayi is expected back next week after Afcon duty with Nigeria and Joe Gelhardt might be back training with the team by then too.
Jakirovic said his nomination for manager of the month after a stellar December “gives you confidence you are doing a good job”.
He also welcomed the home tie with Chelsea in the FA Cup fourth round, adding: “It’s a very difficult draw. Chelsea is a great club but it’s a good game for us, and at home. It’s very interesting because Liam (Rosenior) was here and did a very good job here. I look forward to meeting him.”