Mario Balotelli is likely to be out for three months after it was reported in Italy that he is to have a hernia operation in the next few days.

Balotelli has not played for Milan since a defeat by Genoa on September 27th after being troubled by the groin problem and is not now likely to compete for a place in the side until mid-February.

Balotelli, who had originally moved to Liverpool from Milan for £16 million and is still having part of his salary paid for by Liverpool, had an unhappy season on Merseyside, scoring just four times in 28 appearances.