Rodgers rules out Chelsea target Fofana making return at Stamford Bridge

Brendan Rodgers has said Wesley Fofana will not be involved against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday as the defender continues to train with Leicester’s Under-23s. Rodgers said the situation with Fofana was “totally different” from when Leicester sanctioned Harry Maguire’s sale to Manchester United for £80m. Chelsea have had three bids rejected for Fofana, the latest worth about £70m.

Rodgers said he would consider bringing back Fofana when the 21-year-old centre-back was “ready to commit to the team”. Fofana did not turn up for one training session last week and trained alone during another. Fofana is understood to be keen on joining Chelsea and is thought to have agreed personal terms.

Asked whether there were similarities to when Maguire was sold in 2019, Rodgers replied: “It was totally different. I was aware over the course of the summer that there was a possibility that could happen and in fairness to Harry, in terms of his behaviour and his focus for the club, [he] was fantastic right until the last minute that he was with the team and the squad and then he moved on. So, no it is different. Obviously in a few of my seasons here we’ve lost Ben Chillwell as well but this unfortunately is a little bit different. But our focus is with the team and the players that are available.”

Rodgers reiterated that players must depart if he is to strengthen before the transfer window closes next Thursday. “[We’re] probably looking at a few players at least [leaving] to try and allow us to do some business to bring some in,” he said. “That’s been the model of the club in terms of a player moving on and releasing funds to bring in other players.”

Rodgers said he would not get downbeat despite Leicester being without a