Swansea City were shorn of three attacking players for the trip to west London at the weekend - as they have been for some time now.
For various reasons Michael Obafemi, Jamie Paterson and Morgan Whittaker haven't been available or selected in matchday squads recently.
Obafemi and Paterson's situations have been ongoing concerns for some time, with the former having been dropped for games and the latter spending time away from the first-team squad last season due to a contract dispute.
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Lately, it has been Whittaker's future that has been hogging the headlines.
He was brought back from his Plymouth Argyle loan stint early, something he didn't seem too happy about at the time. He has yet to kick a ball in anger for Swansea this season, with his head now turned by Rangers interest, meaning he's not in the right frame of mind to play for his employers.
Martin said after the 1-1 draw with the Hoops: "I did the (pre-match) press conference and received a text from Morgs saying he wasn't in the right frame of mind to travel with the squad, for a number of reasons.
"The situation hasn't changed, we haven't received any more bids from anyone. We have to respect that and be conscious he's a young man in a difficult moment. His wellbeing is the most important bit.
"He's got his family with him this weekend because he doesn't want to think about football and we'll assess the situation when we're back in on Monday and see where we're all at.
"It just means it'll be a slower process, him trying to get back into the team if he's still here in 12 days or whatever it is, which I envisage him being."
There has been some discontent in some quarters over his decision not to play; but as Martin rightly points out, his wellbeing is the most important factor here. He's a young man and any human being needs to feel comfortable in their working environment.
That being said, in the wider context of Swansea's transfer window, things have to be sorted now. With just over eight days left, clarity is needed over the futures of Obafemi and Whittaker, with Burnley and Rangers holding interest in their services.
Martin has insisted Swansea don't need to sell to buy players of their own but receiving fees would grease the wheels somewhat.
Their priority this window is a striker - namely Chiedozie Ogbene - and a deal is there to be done if Swansea stump up the cash Rotherham United would want for a player out of contract this summer. Indeed their manager is bracing himself for further bids.
Getting Whittaker or Obafemi out of the door would certainly free-up the capital to make an improved offer for the Republic of Ireland international, who would probably cost a seven-figure sum to prise away from the Millers.
Swansea's bench at Loftus Road had very few game-changers on it, with Whittaker, Obafemi and Paterson missing; an Ogbene-type addition would make a big difference to the club's promotion push.
Then there is a player of Joe Gelhardt's profile; he is available for loan and a move to his former club Wigan Athletic, who he was supposed to be re-joining, has not yet been rubber-stamped. Leeds United want his temporary club to cover a large portion of his Premier League wages. Banking fees for wantaway players would surely help Swansea with that, should they wish.
The very nature of the window means business is done so very late in the day in January; as Martin revealed recently, the only people who benefit from that are agents.
They need a hurry along, though. Obafemi and Paterson appear destined not to play for the club again, whereas Whittaker's situation seems a tad more complex. Whatever, clarity and closure need to be found this week.
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