Southampton boss Claude Puel has said that centre-half Jose Fonte, who has handed in a transfer request, will not play in the club's EFL Cup semi-final first leg against Liverpool on Wednesday.

"It is important for me to keep stability in the defence with players, we don't know the future for Jose, it is a difficult situation," said Puel.

"You know the situation with Jose. I respect Jose and this is not easy for him, the squad or the staff.

"He is a good professional, but we have to respect this situation."

The 33-year-old Portugal defender has 18 months left to run on his current deal.