Alan Curbishley expects Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez to be at West Ham United until the end of the season.
The Argentine duo have struggled to adjust to the demands of Premiership football since arriving in England from Corinthians prior to the August transfer deadline.
Tevez has been in and out of the West Ham side, while Mascherano has not played for the club since Curbishley was appointed manager.
Mascherano has expressed a desire to leave and has been strongly linked with a move to Liverpool.
Fifa's transfer rules prevent players representing three clubs between 1st July and 30th June, and Curbishley does not believe the pair will move on in January.
"I think they're in a difficult position," Curbishley told Sky Sports News.
"They are with us until the end of the season, it's as simple as that because of the rules.
"I think they're quite clear, but if anybody tells me any different I will react then.
"I've not seen much of Mascherano because he's been injured for the last week anyway.
"He hurt his ankle and took that early on since I've been here. He's been struggling a little bit.
"I've seen a bit more of Tevez, but I don't think there's any position where they can leave."