Paul Heckingbottom has made clear that Preston North End require five new signings before the summer transfer window closes, with the Championship club stretched further by a hamstring injury to midfielder Ali McCann.

McCann, who made 26 Championship appearances for North End last season, was hurt after coming on as a substitute in Wednesday's Carabao Cup defeat and now faces a spell on the sidelines. The loss of the Northern Ireland international is the latest in a string of setbacks that have left Heckingbottom short of options early in the campaign.

"It's not ideal. We're really short at the minute anyway. We might get reinforcements in by the weekend. Hopefully we do," Heckingbottom told BBC Radio Lancashire. "We're looking at five and it's really important that we get them in."

A squad rebuilt from scratch

The scale of the task facing the Preston head coach is considerable. Over the summer, the club lost captain Ben Whiteman to Wrexham, along with Robbie Brady, Will Keane and Jamal Lewis on permanent deals. Meanwhile, loanees Lewis Dobbin, Daniel Jebbison and Milos Lukovic all returned to their parent clubs at the end of their temporary agreements.

Arrivals have followed, with goalkeeper Lee Nicholls, winger Leo Leroy and defender Harry Clarke all making their way to Deepdale. Alfie Devine's loan has also been made permanent, and Jusef Erabi and Delano Burgzorg have joined on temporary deals. Yet Heckingbottom is evidently not satisfied that the squad has the depth or quality needed to compete consistently in the second tier.

"We lost that many in the summer and then lost a couple of really important ones during pre-season that it's starters we are looking for," the manager said. "This time last year we'd got the bulk of the squad together and we were waiting for those Premier League loans that could maybe add something that little bit different to the squad. This year we need to add that, plus a lot more certainties, in terms of improving the starting 11."

Mix of loan and permanent deals sought

According to the BBC report, Preston are exploring both permanent transfers and loan moves as they look to strengthen. The club have been linked with Southampton forward Cameron Archer, though no deal has been confirmed and any move should be treated as speculation at this stage.

The urgency in Heckingbottom's words reflects the situation on the pitch. Three consecutive defeats, including heavy losses against Wolverhampton Wanderers and the Carabao Cup exit, have underlined the limitations of the current group. With Championship fixtures continuing to mount, the window to fix those problems is narrowing quickly.

Preston supporters will be hopeful that the club's recruitment team can move swiftly. Heckingbottom's comments suggest the club know exactly the profile of player they are after; the question is whether deals can be concluded before the deadline arrives. The manager has hinted that at least some reinforcements could arrive as early as this weekend, which would offer a timely boost ahead of the next round of Championship fixtures.

How many of the five targets ultimately sign on before the window shuts could go a long way to defining the shape of North End's season in the second tier.

Frequently asked

What injury has Ali McCann suffered at Preston?
Ali McCann has picked up a hamstring injury after coming on as a substitute, according to the BBC report. No return date has been confirmed.
How many signings does Paul Heckingbottom want before the transfer deadline?
Heckingbottom has said Preston are looking to bring in five new players before the summer transfer window closes, targeting both permanent deals and loans.
Who has Preston North End signed this summer?
Preston have brought in Lee Nicholls, Leo Leroy, Harry Clarke, Jusef Erabi and Delano Burgzorg, and have made Alfie Devine's loan permanent, though the manager says further reinforcements are still needed.