The Southampton captain has handed in a transfer request following a contract row with the board, with Saints director of football Les Reed admitting that Fonte wanted to "explore opportunities for a transfer".
Fonte, who joined Southampton in 2010 from Crystal Palace, was absent for Saturday's FA Cup draw with Norwich and manager Claude Puel has decided to leave him out again for the first leg at St Mary's, although the Frenchman refused to rule out selecting the Portugal international in the near future.
Puel said last night: "Jose will not participate in this game.
"For the moment and with his situation it is important for me to keep stability in the defence.