Johannes Hoff Thorup has no plans to scour the free agent market again to bolster Norwich City’s injury-hit frontline.

City did bring in Emi Marcondes after the close of the summer transfer window, with the Dane deployed in place of the injured Josh Sargent as a 'false nine' for the 2-0 defeat to Bristol City.

Ante Crnac had been pressed into emergency action previously in the central striker position, as Thorup weighs up his options following groin surgery that will sideline Sargent for two months.

Fit-again experienced forward Ashley Barnes is scheduled to return after the international break but is yet to kick a ball under Thorup.

The Dane made it clear ahead of the Robins’ defeat there is no January transfer window splurge in the offing.

“To be honest, I just think we have to deal with the situation we are in. I don't think we can expect transfers or anything,” he reiterated on Saturday evening, when asked about the free agent route. “Every team in the league, no matter where you look, would be a little bit vulnerable if the injury suspension list was 10 players or more.

"We cannot just keep bringing in players, because when the rest are back fit again we end up having a squad with 35 players, and that's also not ideal. We have to come up with even better solutions to support these players.

"Let’s see if we can get off to a week where we can have some more training sessions, and can build up some energy and recovery for the players so they can be ready again to start performing, start improving and start preparing in the best possible way. That's the only thing we can do.”

Attacking duo Barnes and Onel Hernandez now have a fortnight at Colney to push their claims to be involved when the Championship season resumes at West Brom.

“That's the plan,” said Thorup. “We have to be careful, especially with players when they come back from long term injuries, we have to be a little bit cautious in how we integrate them again into the team. It is finding the fine balance in the situation we are in now not to push them too hard.

“I cross my fingers that the guys out now will be back soon again so they can support us, because up front, obviously Josh is out and I think Emiliano did what he could, but a guy like Ashley Barnes will also come back into the group, hopefully soon, so he can give us another option.

"We've also seen Onel playing as a nine for us this season, so that could also be an option. But of course, the first priority is to get these boys back.”