Ahead of Southampton’s upcoming Europa League group stage clash against Hapoel Be’er Sheva in Israel tomorrow evening, manager Claude Puel has revealed that he has left a number of key senior players at home.

The quartet of Jose Fonte, Ryan Bertrand, Charlie Austin and Steven Davis have all been awarded a rest for the game as Puel looks to put his rotational philosophy to more good use in the coming days.

It’s important to keep a good freshness amongst the squad for Saints given that they travel up to the King Power stadium on Sunday afternoon to take on reigning Premier League champions Leicester City.

Saints have taken several younger players to Hapoel to deputise for those left behind, though. Olufela Olomola has been pictured with the squad, along with Jack Stephens, Harrison Reed, Jake Hesketh and Sam McQueen from Saints’ youth system, along with regular first team squad members Matt Targett and James Ward-Prowse.

The only other notable absentees are Jeremy Pied, Sofiane Boufal, Jay Rodriguez and Florin Gardos.