Fofana left out of Leicester squad for Southampton game as Chelsea target defender

Wesley Fofana was left out of the Leicester City squad for Saturday’s game against Southampton amid ongoing transfer interest from Chelsea.

The Blues have reportedly seen several advances for the Frenchman rebuffed, with Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers insistent the club do not want to sell the defender.

Speaking in Friday’s press conference, Rodgers reiterated the club’s stance has not changed and Fofana is not for sale.

“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,” Rodgers said.

The 21-year-old Fofana is reportedly keen to secure a move to Stamford Bridge though. With that distraction a factor, he was not included for the visit of Saints on Saturday.

Fofana played in both of Leicester’s previous games this season, where the Foxes drew with Brentford on the opening weekend before enduring a 4-2 defeat at the hands of Arsenal.

Youri Tielemans, who has entered the final year of his contract with Leicester and has been linked with a transfer to Arsenal, dropped to the bench against Southampton.

Leicester faced a youthful Southampton, with the Saints starting XI showing an average of 23 years and 238 days – the youngest named in a Premier League game since Manchester United’s line-up against Crystal Palace in May 2017 (22y 284d).

23y 238d – Southampton’s starting XI to face Leicester today has an average age of 23 years and 238 days; the youngest named in a Premier League game since Man Utd in May 2017 (22y 284d v Crystal Palace), and Southampton’s youngest ever in a game in the competition. Refreshed. pic.twitter.com/DsGB14akPi

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 20, 2022