Jose Fonte has been left out of the Southampton squad to face Liverpool in the EFL Cup semifinals on Wednesday, amid speculation that the Saints captain is set to leave the club this month.
Southampton director of football Les Reed said last week that Fonte, 33, wants to leave St Mary's and has handed in a transfer request.
And Saints manager Claude Puel confirmed on Monday that the Portugal international, who has been linked with moves to Manchester United and Everton, will sit out the semifinal first-leg clash against the Reds this week, having done the same for Saturday's 2-2 FA Cup draw with Norwich.
"Jose won't participate for this game," Puel told a news conference. "We will see for the next game. It is important to keep stability. We do not know the future of Jose, it is a difficult situation in the market. I respect Jose, it is not an easy situation for the staff or players. It is difficult.
Puel on José Fonte's availability: "José won't participate for this game. We will see for the next game." #saintsfc pic.twitter.com/evOlheJMfQ
- Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) January 9, 2017
"We will see [about including him in the future], I do not comment on the possibility [of him moving]. I think it is important to respect the other players. It is an opportunity also for Jose to view different opportunities and it is important to respect this.
"For me, it is important to keep stability in defence first, and second, we will see what the situation of Jose in this market is. If Jose came to leave the club, it is normal for us to look at other opportunities [to buy players to replace him].
"It is important for us to remain open in the market and look at other opportunities. We do not know about other opportunities yet, it is difficult for the club to improve the squad this month.''
Reed said last week that Fonte has turned down a contract extension from Southampton, while adding that the club have not received any offers for the defender.
Fonte, who helped Portugal win Euro 2016, has been at Southampton since their days in League One, joining from Crystal Palace in 2010.