Positions City MUST strengthen to avoid dropping the ball in Prem race

CLUB STANDS AT PIVOTAL POINT IN ITS HISTORY WITH JANUARY WINDOW LIKELY TO DEFINE SEASON

- By ANDY TURNER Sky Blues Reporter

IT'S no secret that Coventry City need help if the club are to sustain their push for automatic promotion during the second half of the season.

The Sky Blues have been crying out for reinforcements as injury, illness and suspension has limited the squad's capacity to deal with the rigours of the festive period.

Since leading scorer Brandon Thomas-Asante pulled up with a hamstring injury just before halftime at Middlesbrough at the end of November, Frank Lampard has had only one backup striker on his bench as he's rotated Haji Wright and Ellis Simms.

Elsewhere, he's got no support or alternative options for first choice wingers Tatsuhiro Sakamoto and Ephron Mason-Clark, or Jack Rudoni in the number ten position where Josh Eccles has been required to fill in on occasions operating as a high eight.

Here, we look at the positions where the club desperately need to add strength in depth this January...

Up front

Although Thomas-Asante is due back towards the end of the month, it may take the striker a few weeks to get back up to speed and form after eight or more weeks on the sidelines. As such, City arguably need added firepower at a time when Wright has gone 11 games without finding the back of the net.