Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers has revealed that he left Wesley Fofana out of the squad for Saturday's Premier League clash with Southampton as the defender was 'not in the right frame of mind to play'.
There is currently ongoing speculation surrounding the Frenchman, with Chelsea said to be pushing to sign him before the end of the summer transfer window.
Fofana played the full 90 minutes in both of his side's opening two matches of the Premier League season against Brentford and Arsenal.
However, the 21-year-old was a notable absentee against Southampton, with Rodgers confirming that he had been left out due to the recent transfer talk.
"Wesley Fofana out of the squad - because he wasn't in right frame of mind to be involved today," the Leicester manager said ahead of kickoff against Southampton.
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Last week, Rodgers reiterated that Leicester are not looking to sell the centre-back this summer, with the club believed to have turned down two separate bids from Chelsea.
"I don't think so far ahead," Rodgers told reporters on Thursday when asked whether he thought the defender would remain at the club beyond the transfer deadline.
"The idea is that he is very much a Leicester player. He's not for sale. Unless anything changes, I would expect him to be here. There's nothing new from when we last spoke. We've spoken numerous times they are private conversations. Our communication is normal.
"There's no denying it. It's always a tricky period. Your season is starting, you're trying to get focused, and you spend your summer creating this powerful collective unit, and then there is lots of speculation.
"These are young guys and it's the first time they have experienced this for some of them. There can be disruption. The idea is to keep the group focused. The minute the window ends, it all ends."
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The centre-back made the move to the King Power Stadium from Saint-Etienne in 2020, and he has featured on 52 occasions for the Foxes in all competitions.
Youri Tielemans was also named on the bench against the Saints on Saturday amid the recent speculation surrounding his future at the club.
The Belgium international continues to be linked with a move to Arsenal, while Manchester United are also said to be interested in signing the midfielder before the transfer deadline.
There had been speculation surrounding the future of Jamie Vardy this summer, but it was announced on Saturday morning that the experienced striker had signed a new deal with the Foxes.
James Maddison has also been strongly linked with a move away from the club this summer, with Newcastle United still thought to be keen to sign the Englishman in the latter stages of the window.
Matt Law
