Balotelli doubtful for Barcelona clash

Mario Balotelli will miss Milan’s game with Udinese, and is a doubt for the visit of Barcelona, coach Massimiliano Allegri has revealed.

Balotelii has missed Milan’s last three Serie A matches after receiving a ban for an altercation with match officials in the aftermath of their 2-1 defeat to Napoli last month.

The 23-year-old is unavailable for the meeting with Francesco Guidolin’s men after picking up a thigh injury in Italy’s FIFA World Cup qualifier with Armenia on Tuesday.

And Allegri admitted they are sweating on his fitness for Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League meeting with Barca.

“We’ll have to do without Balotelli. It’s the fourth (league) match he’s missed,” he said.

“He’ll see the doctor on Monday and we’ll decide if he can play on Tuesday. It’ll be better if he plays.”

Allegri has received a boost with the news that defender Matias Silvestre, attacking midfielder Kaka and winger Valter Birsa are all set to return, although Daniele Bonera and Giampaolo Pazzini are still unavailable.

“Kaka, Silvestre and Birsa are all back fit and Kaka will start from the bench,” Allegri added.

“Bonera has suffered a setback in his comeback from injury. Pazzini is already back running.

“In terms of muscular injuries, we’re about average but when you play every three days, there’s an higher possibility of getting hurt.

“It’s good to have six players that play internationals but the more important games you play, the easier it is to pick up injuries.”