Melbourne City hope their plunge for $A20million Scottish international Ross McCormack will ensure their A-League title hopes aren't wrecked by Bruno Fornaroli's absence.
Warren Joyce's side confirmed the injury replacement signing of McCormack on Friday.
The 31-year-old forward will land in Melbourne on Monday and is eligible to play for as long as Fornaroli, who suffered an ankle injury last month in the FFA Cup, is sidelined.
City were coy on whether they would replace the Golden Boot winner, who is expected to be out until at least Christmas.
But all the while, Joyce said the club was working furiously behind the scenes to find a player to fill the role.