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15th Nov 2014

Mario Balotelli injures his hamstring and is forced back to Liverpool

The Italy striker is now a doubt for next week's clash with Crystal Palace.

Tony Cuddihy

The Italy striker is now a doubt for next week’s clash with Crystal Palace.

Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has been forced to return to his club after suffering a hamstring injury in training with the Italy national team.

The 24-year-old will miss his country’s Euro 2016 qualifier at home against Croatia on Sunday and the friendly with Albania on Tuesday.

Balotelli’s loss could be seen as a blessing in disguise at Anfield, where he is yet to score a league goal so far this season.

Daniel Sturridge resumed full training last week and is expected to lead the Reds’ attack next week, with or without Balotelli.