SOFIANE Boufal remained absent from training today amid rumours of a bust-up with manager Mark Hughes.

Hughes stated the Moroccan was sidelined due to illness ahead of last Thursday’s 0-0 draw at Leicester City.

However, there are national newspaper reports which state Boufal has in fact had a row with Hughes and has been told to train on his own.

The 24-year-old has not been in training with the first-team nor in the matchday squad since the 3-2 defeat at home to Chelsea on April 14.

Allegedly, it was during that game that Boufal refused Hughes’ request for him to go and warm-up.

Subsequently, The Sun report, Hughes is said to have lost his temper with the former Lille star, throwing a bottle of water at him post-match.

Boufal was at Staplewood today but not involved with Hughes’ men as they prepare for a massive relegation battle against AFC Bournemouth on Saturday.

The one-time £16m record signing has had a poor season, tallying two goals and two assists in 26 league appearances.

Boufal started Hughes’ first two games in charge, but has not played since the 3-0 loss to West Ham.