Fourth-placed City have ostracised striker Bruno Fornaroli and allowed Anthony Caceres and Michael O'Halloran to leave the club and are actively seeking replacements.

With five games in 16 days, Joyce knows time is of the essence.

It more likely the club will move on a forward to come in under the salary cap, with Florin Berenguer also injured, before dealing with their marquee situation.

"I would imagine there's loads of conversations going on about Bruno," Joyce said.

"We're trying to free places up in the cap to try and bring somebody in.

"Over the next month, the league will take shape ...we've got to be right amongst the mix and win as many games as possible in this time."

Their need for a striker is clear; City have scored 15 goals this term while pacesetters Perth have 27, with Victory and Sydney netting 24.

City's targets remain a secret, with Joyce acknowledging ties to Perth striker Andy Keogh but downplaying a reported swap deal for Fornaroli.

The club brought in Ross McCormack last season from overseas, but Joyce said the timing brought issues.

"I do think (Keogh is) a good player. He's done great for them. They're top of the league. I wouldn't disrupt another football club ... they've a manager I have a lot of respect for," he said.

"The only problem with the English (loan) route is most of the deals are done at the end of January (because clubs will) suffer all the wages just to let them out and play.

"This time is really important so you're trying to look for players earlier than that."

City face battlers Brisbane on Friday night, with their two key injury concerns - Ritchie de Laet and Dario Vidosic - both in the frame.

De Laet is well short of 100 per cent fitness and will be assessed weekly, while Vidosic - after twinging his thigh in Sunday's warm-up against Newcastle - is unlikely to start.

City laboured to defeat the Jets 2-1 despite the late loss of Vidosic, and Joyce urged his side to have more cut-through against the Roar.

"(We had) a lot of possession that wasn't hurting them. We weren't positive enough," he said.

STATS THAT MATTER:

* City are yet to drop points in 2019 after wins against the Wanderers and Jets

* Luke Brattan scored another spectacular goal against Newcastle - his third of the season. All three have come from outside the box on his right foot

* Brisbane have just one win in a torrid season - against City in November. The club have shipped 20 goals in seven games, picking up a single point in that run.

Australian Associated Press