Ethan Ampadu will replace Gary Cahill in the Chelsea squad if the defender leaves.
Centre-back Cahill is expected to move on during this month’s transfer window, having lost his regular place in the side since Maurizio Sarri took over as Blues boss.
With Ruben Loftus-Cheek out with a back injury, Sarri wants to sign a replacement for Cesc Fabregas, who is set to join Monaco.
However, speaking at a press conference, Sarri revealed that no replacement will be brought in if Cahill leaves Stamford Bridge this month.
Instead, impressive youngster Ampadu, who has done well when given a chance in the first team, will be moved up the pecking order.
Sarri said: “If Cesc goes of course we need a replacement.
“Now with the midfielders we are in trouble I think, because I don’t know at the moment the situation of Loftus – if the situation is serious or not.
“Loftus of course is out now. We need to understand the situation with his back because in the last month he was in trouble.”
“But the situation with Cahill I think is different because we have Ampadu, so we don’t need a replacement.”