Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed he will not delve into the transfer market to cover his injury-hit squad.
Ferguson has insisted that, rather than bring in new signings, he will call upon youngsters such as full-backs Adam Eckersley and Fabio, the twin brother of right-back Rafael.
Fabio's progress has been halted after he injured his shoulder at the beginning of the season but he could make his senior debut against Tottenham in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday.
Ferguson could have up to a dozen first-team players missing for the cup clash if Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville fail to recover from minor knocks.
If the pair fail to be passed fit they would join defenders Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra, Wes Brown, Rafael, Jonny Evans, midfielders Anderson, Ji-sung Park, Owen Hargreaves and Nani, and striker Wayne Rooney on the sidelines.
"No I won't be doing that," Ferguson responded when asked if he would sign players as cover.
"I do have options. Hopefully Neville will be OK, then I can play Fletcher at right-back, so with Nemanja Vidic and John O'Shea we would have an experienced back four.
"Alternatively, if we thought Eckersley or Fabio could be one of the full-backs Fletcher can play in midfield."
Spurs themselves are suffering from a lengthy injury list with manager Harry Redknapp already admitting that he will field a patched up side at Old Trafford.
On a more positive note for United most of their sidelined stars are only out short term with Brown and Ferdinand expected to be back for the league game against Everton on 2nd February.
Meanwhile Anderson and Evans have both been ruled out for three weeks after the pair picked up ankle injuries against Derby in midweek.
The sheer amount of players in the treatment room at Old Trafford has caused Ferguson to once again campaign for a winter break in the Premier League.
"We are not in the best position because there are a lot of games in January," he added.
"At this time of year players often carry little strains, which eventually become injuries that force them to miss games.
"That is why managers for years have pursued the hope they will have a winter break. Unfortunately it is not to be."
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