The transfer window has flung open and Cardiff City are hoping to be busy this month.

They need to be, too. Because the combination of a horrendous injury list and the worst start to a league season in the club's 125-year history sees them in a perilous position as we pass the midpoint of the season.

Cardiff are 23rd in the division and they face a big month both on and off the pitch if they are to escape relegation for the third time in four seasons.

READ MORE: Omer Riza delivers contract recommendations to Cardiff City board as verdict given on each player

READ MORE: Today's Cardiff City news as former winger in Swansea City swipe and Aaron Ramsey injury latest

It's Omer Riza's first transfer window as a manager and he says he is relishing the challenge. But he knows he has to make moves this month to address the chronic shortcomings in this squad.

The lack of quality striker options needs to be addressed. There are players who will be welcomed back from injury such as Kion Etete and Isaak Davies who will add to Riza's options, but given their patchy records in this division there is a sense that another striker is needed.

Roko Simic has been recalled from his loan spell at KV Kortrijk. He continues to recover from an injury following a dismal stint in Belgium in which he was afforded just four substitute appearances for the Vincent Tan-owned club. Not the sort of developmental move Cardiff were looking for.

It is understood that Cardiff are pretty relaxed about Simic's situation as things stand. Importantly, because of his age (21), he does not count towards the club's 25-man maximum player quota. It is likely Cardiff will take their time to assess their window and if sufficient striker options are available by the end of the month, they may countenance another loan for the Croatian forward.

But Cardiff need to address that top end of the pitch, while Riza also suggested that midfield might be an area they target, too. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.

“I can’t give you an answer on how soon (things will happen)," said Riza after the Coventry game. "Hopefully sooner rather than later, but things can change. Things are moving forwards and hopefully the processes will start now.

“We need to have more impact going forwards. I think also maybe a little bit more security behind the front line. That is what I'll be looking for."

Supporters have long called for pace to be added into this squad and it was a gripe for many within the club that asset wasn't added during the summer. The club wanted the rapid Liverpool youngster Ben Doak in the summer, but money was allocated elsewhere and he ended up moving to Middlesbrough, this weekend's opponents, and is now thriving.

Riza knows it's an area they have to address this month, with Premier League clubs already having been sounded out over young players in need of loan experience.

“We’ve got players with pace we can use but sometimes they’re not available," Riza said about the squad's lack of pace.

"Isaak Davies has not been available, Ash (Cian Ashford) has a bit of pace, Ollie (Tanner) has a bit of pace, but I think real, frightening pace is something that's lacking in the team at the moment and, yeah, that's something that we will be looking for.

“Options are there for (permanent) transfers and potential loans. It's just about which ones come to fruition.

“I’m happy about the fact the list has gone in and it’s being looked at positively. Hopefully we can start to move forwards.”

WHATSAPP: Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community

There is likely to be a big player turnaround this month. Riza said three or four players could leave with as many coming in to replace them which could result in an eight-player swing.

Ryotaro Tsunoda is one who is expected go out to play some games on loan, while ending Wilfried Kanga's disastrous and goalless stint in the Welsh capital is likely to be high on the priority list.

Jamilu Collins has been frozen out and looks likely to end his Cardiff spell, with his contract set to expire at the end of the current campaign.

“Those talks have already started," Riza said of potential outgoings. "You’ll start to see things happening.”