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.
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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.