East Kilbride boss Kevin Rutkiewicz has suffered a huge blow in their Lowland League title bid after learning loan stars Curtis Lyle and Luke Kenny won't be extending their stays at K-Park beyond January.
And that could soon turn into a triple blow for Kilby with defender Logan Dunachie already back at parent club Motherwell, with his chances of returning rated '50/50' by Rutkiewicz.
Goalkeeper Lyle has been released by Kilmarnock this week and it is understood he could now follow in the footsteps of former Kilby keeper Conor Brennan by making the switch from K-Park to Stenhousemuir in League Two. Warriors No.1 Brennan was injured at the weekend and the Ochilview side are keen to make Lyle his replacement, although other clubs are also interested in Lyle's services.
Meanwhile, St Mirren centre-back Kenny has been recalled by the Buddies after his loan deal expired.
Motherwell defender Dunachie is back at Fir Park but a final decision is yet to be made on the 18-year-old's next steps.
With Kilby six points off the pace in the Lowland League after losing 1-0 at home to Spartans on Saturday, it is a big blow for Rutkiewicz.
He said: "Curtis has been released by Kilmarmock but I think he will be leaving us, unfortunately.
"It's looking like we won't be able to convince him to stay and a few clubs are now interested in him, including Stenhousemuir.
"Unfortunately, big Conor Brennan got injured at the weekend so I don't think that has helped our case with Curtis.
"Curtis has done very well in his half-season here. He has been a joy to work with, he is a great lad, with a great attitude and I think he has improved here. The player who walked in and the one that walks away is vastly improved because of the game time he's had here.
"Luke Kenny won't be coming back. He is back at St Mirren and I think they want to push him on now into the league, so that's a blow for us.
"Logan has gone back to Motherwell but we are still in talks with Motherwell about him coming back. It's 50/50 because we need to make sure our hopes for him align with Motherwell's.
"Where there's a glimmer, there's hope.
"But with potentially all three going, we are currently working on our options to fill those spots."
East Kilbride have some time to resolve the problems as they are idle this weekend in the 19-team Lowland League and don't return to action until January 21 away to Edinburgh University.
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