Manchester City players might be waiting for reinforcements to get them out of their slump. But three days into the January window, it's becoming clear that the club expect the group that got them into this mess to get them out.

City have already deviated from their long-term stance of avoiding business in the winter, acknowledging that the injury crisis has forced their hand. But they have equally been clear that they will still target long-term signings over players who will offer a short-term boost but only add unnecessary competition when everyone is fit.

That approach has been evident on Friday - in the news of new centre-back and midfield targets emerging and also Pep Guardiola's latest comments. The manager also offered a brutal reality to Kevin De Bruyne, suggesting he must prove his fitness before earning a new contract.

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Before Guardiola delivered that reality check, news emerged this week that City are interested in Abdukodir Khusanov, the young Lens centre-back who they have been aware of but weren't planning to sign just yet. If they make a move, it would be bringing forward that particular plan but that plays into the longer-term thinking.

Similarly, Ederson of Atalanta and Frankfurt's Omar Marmoush are liked (albeit less simple to achieve). City's targets are with the next few seasons in mind and if they can help out this season it's a bonus, rather than the other way round.

"It's not easy, it will not be easy," said Guardiola of City's chances of making January signings.

"Maybe we sign, maybe we don't sign anyone. The club has to be wise, don't sign players just to do it. I don't know if it will be possible to do it."

What about De Bruyne, then?

Out of contract in the summer, De Bruyne confirmed last week that talks are yet to begin. He says he wants to be fully fit before going into talks and is in no rush, and Guardiola put the pressure on his talisman on Friday.

"He had problems in the last year and a half, like many players this year," Guardiola said, refusing to guarantee the Belgian will get a new deal past the summer.

"Of course, when he is consistent and fit and can play regularly, I've said many times he's a really important player for us and a decisive player.

"What is going to happen, how he is going to perform until the end of the season, the age that he is and many things, I think the club has to think about it."

This is City putting the pressure back on their own players. On De Bruyne to prove his fitness, and on the current squad to fight their way out of the mess they have played a part in creating. It's also trust in the same players, with the reward of their own places moving forward on offer.

Reinforcements will be sought, just only as support for now - no instant solution will be parachuted in. It's up to the existing squad to play their way out of trouble.