Kilmarnock hope to extend Donovan Simmonds' loan deal - despite the Coventry City striker requiring a hernia operation in January.
But manager Jim Jefferies is still in the hunt for another forward.
"Donovan is quite happy to stay and Coventry are happy for him to remain here until the end of the season," Jefferies told BBC Sport.
"But he needs the operation as it has been hampering him. It will be a three-week job, hopefully in January."
Simmonds has scored just once in 17 appearances, all but four as a substitute, for the Scottish Premier League club since heading north in August.
"The boy is only 19, but he gives us options," said Jefferies, who revealed that a move for an unnamed experienced striker had so far hit a stumbling block.
Alan Combe has had discussions with the chairman and the club has made him a good offer
Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies
"Allan Russell is an experienced striker but not at this level and we are looking at some possibilities."
Russell moved from First Division outfit Airdrie United in the summer but has only made one start for Killie, plus four appearances from the bench, scoring once.
Former Aberdeen and Dundee United striker Robbie Winters joined Killie for a day's training after his release from Brann Bergen.
But Winters has also been training with Killie's SPL rivals Hamilton Accies - and has been linked with Inverness Caley Thistle - and Jefferies would need another look at the player before deciding whether to make an offer.
Meanwhile, Jefferies is hopeful that goalkeeper Alan Combe will decide to stay at Rugby Park beyond the end of his contract in the summer.
"Alan has had discussions with the chairman and the club has made him a good offer," said the manager.
"It is up to him what he wants to do - if he wants to take advantage of his good form to find a better deal or stay here where he enjoys his football and where he has been a regular in the first team."
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