Southampton FC news: Claude Puel tight-lipped over Jose Fonte’s St Mary’s future

Southampton boss Claude Puel refused to be drawn on why captain Jose Fonte was missing from the squad at Carrow Road as Norwich scored an injury-time equaliser to seal an FA Cup third-round replay.

Portugal defender Fonte was left out of the third-round clash completely after it was revealed earlier in the week the 33-year-old has asked to leave St Mary's.

Fellow centre-back Virgil van Dijk returned from suspension and opened the scoring with a volley, only for Steven Whittaker to level from the penalty spot after Saints' 19-year-old debutant goalkeeper Harry Lewis fouled Cameron Jerome.

The Premier League side looked set to be into round four when Maya Yoshida nodded Southampton back in front, but Naismith's last-gasp effort means the sides will have to meet again to see who will make it through.

Whether Fonte will be at the club by the time the replay comes around remains to be seen after Puel was cagey when answering questions on his future after the game in Norfolk.

"I think (executive director) Les Reed gave an interview about the situation, I have no comment," he said.

"I respect the possibility for Jose to see any opportunities in the window."

Pushed on why he had omitted Fonte from his squad, the Frenchman replied: "I don't want to give a reason, just to understand the situation with the player and questions about his future."