Mario Balotelli Injury: Updates on Liverpool Star's Hamstring, Groin and Return

Mario Balotelli has been an injury concern for Liverpool due to hamstring and groin issues. However, he is ready to boost Brendan Rodgers' options over the Christmas period.

Continue for updates.

Wednesday, Dec. 24

Balotelli Back from Suspension and Fit to Play

Liverpool were without Balotelli at Bournemouth due to injury, and he then missed the Arsenal draw due to suspension, but Brendan Rodgers has confirmed the striker is available to face Burnley.

Speaking ahead of the Boxing Day fixture, Rodgers said, per Alex Richards of the Daily Mirror:

"

Mario Balotelli becomes available but there's no one else.

[Joe] Allen, [Glen] Johnson, [John] Flanagan still out.

"

Tuesday, Dec. 16

Balotelli Out for Bournemouth Clash

James Pearce of Liverpool Echo reports Balotelli will not play a part in Liverpool's Capital One Cup quarter-final at Bournemouth:

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Mario Balotelli has been ruled out of Liverpool FC's Capital One Cup quarter-final with Bournemouth.

The £16m striker didn’t travel to the south coast with Brendan Rodgers’ squad after aggravating a groin problem in Sunday’s defeat to Manchester United.

"

Brendan Rodgers previously hinted his Italian forward may not play, per Dominic King of the Mail Online:

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'Mario has had a problem with his groin that is on going,' said Rodgers, when asked if Balotelli would feature against Bournemouth. 'We will assess it.'
 

"

Sunday, Dec. 14

Balotelli Available vs. Manchester United

Liverpool announced Balotelli's status ahead of the club's match: 

Friday, Dec. 12

Balotelli Set for Old Trafford Return

Chris McKenna of the Daily Star reports that Brendan Rodgers is ready to select Balotelli in Sunday's showdown with Manchester United:

"

The Liverpool striker, who has been out since the start of November, has stepped up his recovery work after missing six games with a groin injury.

And boss Rodgers desperately wants him back for the trip to Old Trafford - if he is fully-fit.

"

Sky Sports has more on Balotelli's pending return:

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“He (Balotelli) has only just come back into training so it is something we will assess,” Rodgers said. “We have still got a bit of time so we will see what his fitness is like."

“He has been out for a little while now but in the last couple of days he has looked good in training. We will give him every chance to see if he can come into the squad.”

"

Monday, Dec. 8

Balotelli A Doubt To Face Basel

The Liverpool Echo's James Pearce passed along comments from Brendan Rodgers on Mario Balotelli's status:

Thursday, Dec. 4

Injury Layoff Continues for Balotelli

Brendan Rodgers confirmed Balotelli remains sidelined just 48 hours ahead of Liverpool's home clash with Sunderland, per the Liverpool Echo's James Pearce:

Monday, Dec. 1

Balotelli Won't Return vs. Leicester

Liverpool will once again be without their £16 million man for Tuesday's trip to Leicester. Brendan Rodgers confirmed "Mario is still not fit" during his pre-game press conference, per the club's official website.

Friday, Nov. 28

Stoke Match Comes Too Soon for Balotelli

Brendan Rodgers confirmed Balotelli will play no part in Saturday's home clash with Stoke, per the Liverpool Echo's James Pearce:

Tuesday, Nov. 25

Balotelli Out of Ludogorets Clash

Balotelli is set to miss Wednesday's Champions League clash with Ludogorets after he was absent from training, per the Liverpool Echo's James Pearce:

The Mirror's David Maddock reports:

"

Mario Balotelli is out of Liverpool's crucial showdown in Bulgaria.

The Italy striker has not travelled to Sofia for the Champions League game with Ludogorets that could decide the Reds' future in the competition.

"

Sunday, Nov. 23

Balotelli Misses Palace Match

Liverpool left Balotelli out of their matchday squad at Selhurst Park, citing his groin issue according to the Telegraph's Henry Winter:

Tuesday, Nov. 18

Balotelli Expected to Face Crystal Palace

Balotelli's fitness concerns are expected to clear up in time for Liverpool's next outing, although official word is yet to emerge from the club. Neil Jones of the Liverpool Echo reports:

"

Liverpool are confident Mario Balotelli will be available to face Crystal Palace next weekend with the Italian’s hamstring injury not as bad as first feared.

[...] Liverpool [...] have been encouraged by initial medical reports, and Balotelli is expected to be fit for Sunday’s trip to Selhurst Park.

"

Saturday, Nov. 15

Balotelli Sent Home by Italy

Mario Balotelli has struggled at Liverpool, but a recent injury could further slow down his production.

The Italian forward was sent home from Italy training with hamstring and groin injuries, according to Sky Sports:

"

Mario Balotelli has been ruled out of Italy's Euro 2016 qualifier against Croatia on Sunday due to concerns over his hamstring and groin

[...]

A statement from the Italian FA said: 'Mario Balotelli and Angelo Ogbonna will leave the team training camp. Although Ogbonna's left thigh injury is improving, he has been advised to avoid stressing the injury as a precaution.

'It is the same scenario for the Balotelli, who since Friday has felt a hamstring strain and a sore groin.'

"

The Italian national team released a statement regarding the striker on Saturday:

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Mario Balotelli and Angelo Ogbonna left the training camp this morning. The Juventus defender has an injury to the left bicep femoris muscle in his hamstring and has been sent home as a precaution, whist the Liverpool striker also picked up a hamstring injury in training.

"

Balotelli was meant to replace the scoring touch of Luis Suarez for Liverpool but has yet to find the back of the net in the league at Anfield this season. While his much-maligned temper has yet to flare, his lack of production has been troubling. 

Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling and others can provide enough scoring up front to make up for the loss of Balotelli should he miss a match, but Liverpool will still miss the dynamic play of the young striker.

The Reds will certainly hope he can return to action before long and make this transfer worthwhile.

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