Jose Mourinho had planned to loan new Tottenham Hotspur signing Ryan Sessegnon out in January before Ben Davies’ injury, according to The Sun.
Spurs confirmed on the club website that Davies has damaged ligaments in his left ankle and is poised for an “extended period of rehabilitation.”
It is not yet clear whether the Wales international will require surgery.
The Sun reports that Mourinho has now shelved plans to let Sessegnon leave on loan because he needs the 19-year-old as cover for Danny Rose.
Sessegnon joined from Fulham in the summer for a fee of around £25m, according to BBC Sport, and fans were excited to see how he would flourish under Mauricio Pochettino after returning from his own injury problems.
MORE: Sacked Pochettino Releases Pointless Statement
However, The Sun understands that Mourinho sees the England Under-21 star as a long-term prospect rather than an immediate first team player.
The 56-year-old has been reluctant to give youngsters an opportunity at his previous clubs, despite pleading the contrary upon arriving at Spurs.
In that case, Davies’ injury is as much a blessing as it is a curse as it will hopefully give Sessegnon the chance to prove himself sooner than expected.
I don’t want to wait two or three seasons to see this lad in the team.
He has been limited to two short substitute appearances so far but with the busy festive schedule approaching he can’t be far away from his first start.
Between Sessegnon, Clarke and Lo Celso our summer spend is looking more and more frustrating.
He’s not an MP. Hes a useless khant.
David lammy MP on the walk about in Tottenham. (Bruce grove)
Another player “for the future”…was hoping to see him play…Levy should start to buy more players that can actually play now!
Here we go:
Last year while managing Tottenham, Pochettino said: “I would never train Barcelona or Arsenal because I am tied to Tottenham.
“I grew up at Newell’s and I would never train Rosario Central.
“This is my decision. I would prefer to work on my farm in Argentina than to go and work in certain places.”