Caretaker manager Mike Phelan is worried Hull City's threadbare squad is not yet in a position to compete in the Premier League.
The Tigers have been beset by problems during preseason and are set to face champions Leicester in their opener on Saturday lunchtime with just 13 fit senior players.
The club are yet to make a signing this summer and long-term injuries, especially in defence, have left Phelan to pick up the pieces as he looks to press his own claims to take over the manager's position on a full-time basis.
Asked if he had a squad capable of competing with Leicester, Phelan said: "I would say no, simply because of the injuries -- and the injuries are not short term.