Mario Balotelli Illness: Updates on Liverpool Star's Illness and Return

Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli was a substitute against Manchester United after previously returning to training after recovering from illness.

Continue for updates.

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Balotelli Available vs. Manchester United

Sunday, March 22

Liverpool announced Balotelli's role against United:

On March 20, Brendan Rodgers has confirmed both Balotelli and Lucas Leiva were working to regain fitness, per James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo:

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Balotelli Ruled out of Swansea Clash

Monday, Mar. 16

Balotelli previously missed the win over Swansea, noted by Neil Ashton of the Daily Mail:

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The Reds' acquisition of the enigmatic Italian hasn't gone according to plan—at least not yet. Rodgers and his staff were hoping he would finally realise his immense potential to replace some of the attacking prowess of Luis Suarez, but he has scored just one Premier League goal this campaign.

Balotelli has lacked consistency, which is a similar story to each of his previous stops. He still flashes hints of quality, but getting him to produce on that level each time out is still a work in progress for the Liverpool staff.

The 24-year-old star is confident he's in a position to improve, though. Pearce provided Balotelli's thoughts on Rodgers: "He is very good, a strong character, and I think that comes out in the way the team plays. I think he can help me improve as a player. He is very open, everybody can talk to him, but first he looks at the person, and second he looks at the footballer."

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Unfortunately, it's hard to make progress when dealing with fitness problems. The striker previously struggled with hamstring and groin issues while away on international duty.

While Rodgers' switch to 3-4-2-1 has rendered Balotelli largely redundant during the second half of the season, Liverpool fans will forgive his poor form if he can notch a vital goal en route to the side capturing a top-four spot.