Hibernian will have just 15 players available for Saturday's Betfred Cup meeting with Cove Rangers as Jack Ross's side is hit by a slew of injuries and international call-ups.
Defender Paul McGinn joins Alex Gogic, Ofir Marciano and Ryan Porteous in representing his national side after Steve Clarke rewarded his solid start to the season with a maiden call into the Scotland setup.
However, Jamie Murphy joined Scott Allan and Joe Newell on the injury list after limping out of Wednesday's 3-1 win over Brora Rangers with a hamstring issue, while Josh Doig has been forced into self-isolation following the abandonment of Scotland under-19's clash with England on Thursday.
It means goalkeeping coach Craig Samson will likely reprise his role as backup keeper, with youngster Steven Bradley and new signing Kyle Magennis among a limited number of substitutes.
And Ross is expecting another tough test of his side's mettle after being given a second half fright by Brora in a showing that left the Easter Road boss "frustrated".
He said: "It's tough in these circumstances as we have nine players out with call-up and injuries.
"Jamie Murphy will miss out in the next two games but hopefully he will be okay after that.
"We are down to 15 and that includes some younger players, so we are as stretched as we will be this season."
The League Two winners have added former Aberdeen youngster Seb Ross and Motherwell academy product Adam Livingstone to their ranks ahead of their first ever third tier campaign.
Manager Paul Hartley has also recruited goalkeeper Ryan Mullen, defender Ross Graham and midfielder Jamie Semple on loan from Celtic, Dundee United and Motherwell respectively, while the Hibees will be in for a reunion with Scottish Cup winner Fraser Fyvie.
Cove are yet to kick off their domestic campaign, with their first league fixture coming at home to East Fife next Saturday, however Ross is refusing to overlook Hartley's side on their inaugural visit to the Balmoral stadium.
"It's a step up from Brora but similar in that it's a team used to winning," he said.
"Cove have progressed through the leagues and were really good last season.
"They have a good, experienced manager in terms of what he has achieved, so it will be a tough game."
