Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has denied reports suggesting the club are preparing to offload out-of-form striker Mario Balotelli when the transfer window re-opens in January.
Earlier this week, the Italy international, 24, made headlines after a ‘controversial’ post on Instagram and immediately apologised for his indiscretions.
However, the incident prompted fresh speculation regarding Balotelli’s future on Merseyside. That said, Rodgers has moved to rubbish such reports, insisting the 24-year-old remains part of his plans.
“He’s still very much a Liverpool player but he’s injured at the moment and there’s nothing more to add,” Rodgers said.
“He’s not fit to play and my concentration is on players who are fit and available to play and that’s my only thinking at the moment.
“He is working with the medical team on a daily basis and I trust the team of people here to look after injuries.
“At this moment in time the team is doing well and whenever he is back fit then we will see where he is at. Hopefully he will be available sooner rather than later.”
Balotelli, who joined Liverpool from Italian Serie A giants AC Milan in a deal worth £16 million in the summer, has scored just two goals in 14 appearances in all competitions for the Reds this season.
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Since suffering an embarrassing 3-1 to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, Liverpool have recorded back-to-back unconvincing league wins over the Stoke and Leicester.
The Reds’ are set to begin a difficult run of December fixtures, which includes clashes against Arsenal, Basel, and Manchester United.
Rodgers added: “I said a few weeks ago there is a really exciting period of games for us after the reaction we had to the little period we had, which was disappointing in terms of results and performance.
“Since the Crystal Palace game, the reaction has been excellent. The players have shown the character and we want to keep it going because we’ve got a little bit of momentum and that brings confidence into the team.
“It releases the pressure a little bit but for me, the players deserve great credit for how they’ve responded the last three games. When we’re at home, we have to be patient but for us it’s another opportunity.
“The only focus is on our next game. Of course, you have to plan forward and look at the games down the line but at this moment, the focus is on Sunderland.”
Where will Liverpool (6-2-6) finish in the English Premier League table this season?
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