David Martindale keen to add to Livingston squad after Cristian Montano injury

David Martindale is hopeful of adding to his Livingston squad this week, but the manager says Cristian Montano is facing the prospect of at least a month on the sidelines.

The Lions, who are six points adrift at the foot of the cinch Premiership, have already recruited striker Tete Yengi, defender Shaun Donnellan and goalkeeper Michael McGovern this transfer window.

However, Martindale is intent on adding three more new faces before next week’s deadline as he bids to give his team the best chance possible of beating relegation.

“I think I am close (to adding) but whether I am or not is another matter,” he said. “I’ve lost out on a hell of a lot of players and we’re getting to the stage in the window when I’m probably (going to) have to push the button and get two or three in.

“There are still loads of options coming into us. Ideally, I’d like to bring three in.

“I’m working on one as we speak and I’m probably looking for closure on another on Thursday and then I’m still looking at four or five other options in an offensive area.”

Martindale revealed that Montano is set to be out until late February at the earliest after the versatile left-sided Colombian was forced off in the first half of Saturday’s Scottish Cup victory at home to Raith Rovers.

“Cristian’s been really injury-prone since he came here, he’s had a lot of problems with his hamstring,” said the manager.

“I feel for him because he’s a really nice human being, he’s really positive around the place, but he seems to get himself in the team then pick up a knock or niggle.

“This one looks a bit more serious so he’s probably going to be out for the next four weeks at best.”