Fikayo Tomori could reportedly see a proposed loan exit from Chelsea during the January window blocked due to an injury suffered by fellow centre-back Andreas Christensen.
The 23-year-old has only made three appearances for the Blues during the 2020-21 campaign, while he has played just 44 minutes of Premier League football this term.
Leeds United have recently been linked with a loan move for the Englishman, but according to The Sun, Chelsea could be forced to keep hold of the defender for the second half of the season.
The report claims that Frank Lampard's side are fearful that the knee injury suffered by Christensen against Aston Villa on December 28 could keep the Denmark international on the sidelines for an extended period.
As a result, Tomori is likely to be needed as cover for Kurt Zouma and Thiago Silva, while the developments could also see Antonio Rudiger denied the chance to leave.
Tomori signed a new long-term contract with the Blues in December 2019.