Wycombe Wanderers boss Gareth Ainsworth says the club’s growing injury list may force him to re-enter the transfer market.

Myles Weston limped off with a groin injury after 12 minutes of the 1-0 defeat to Crawley Town on Saturday, before Luke O’Nien and Michael Harriman picked up second half knocks.

With Paul Hayes, Paris Cowan-Hall, Nick Freeman, Danny Rowe and Max Muller all recovering from injuries, Ainsworth admits he may have to reassess his squad before the end of August.

“It is a concern, especially with the loan rules now and we will see if we have to call in some favours. It is going to be tough, it always is here,” Ainsworth said.

“You have got to get the squad ready for August 31, and I am just glad that these injuries have come at the start of August and not towards the end where we would be panicking.

“I am really looking forward to seeing what is out there for very little money and seeing if we can bring any cover in because numbers are going to be important.”

He will do well to act swiftly as new rules mean the loan window slams shut at the end of August and emergency short-term deals are a thing of the past.

Ainsworth previously suggested Wycombe’s recruitment was over for the summer, but has clearly had a change of heart in the wake of this latest injury crisis.

A similar situation undermined Wycombe’s play-off push last season and the fact they could only name six substitutes on the opening day will be a concern.

Of those who were forced off at Crawley only Weston’s injury is thought to be serious, but despite players nearing a return, Ainsworth is already operating on finite resources.

“We have got 21 good players and I am really, really pleased with the squad we have got together. We can’t call on a youth team or a reserves team so we only have 21,” Ainsworth explained.

“I think we are down to 14 or 15 maybe now. I am hoping Danny Rowe could be back for Tuesday’s match [against Bristol City in the League Cup].

“Paris and Haysey are not too far away but it is going to be tough.”

Wycombe opted to address the injury situation directly on Monday in a press release in which Ainsworth revealed the severity of his concerns.

He said:  “I’ve not known luck like it in my time as manager – injuries are part and parcel of the game but I’ve got about 40% of my squad missing after the first day of the season.

“With a fully-fit squad we know we are a match for any team in the division so it’s vital we get everyone back fit quickly to be able to perform to our full potential.”

He also took the chance to praise his squad and believes the players who are fit will be able to reach the levels required to take the club forward.

He said: “What we have got is a group of players who will give 100% every time they step across that white line.

“I have full confidence in whoever wears the shirt and sometimes these situations can provide opportunities for other players to prove what they’re capable of.”