Injury woe for Mario Balotelli

Mario Balotelli faces an extended lay-off following scans on a groin problem, his club AC Milan have announced.

Balotelli has made just four appearances, scoring one goal, since returning to Milan this summer on a season-long loan from Liverpool. He has not featured since September 27.

A Milan statement read: "AC Milan announces that today Mario Balotelli underwent further consultations in Copenhagen with professor Per Holmich.

"The medical staff of AC Milan and Liverpool will soon agree a new therapeutic course."

No time frame has been given as to when the former Manchester City striker, 25, will be available for selection.

Balotelli scored 26 goals in 43 appearances for Milan in his first spell at the club before leaving in the summer of 2014 in a £16m transfer to Liverpool.

Milan, coached by Sinisa Mihajlovic, are sixth in the Serie A standings as they look to bounce back from two disappointing seasons which saw them fail to qualify for European football.

Milan are seven points adrift of league leaders Fiorentina and rivals Inter Milan after six wins in 12 games.