Balotelli withdrew himself, says Rodgers

Another weekend, another twist in the unwanted tale of Mario Balotelli and his spell at Anfield, as Brendan Rodgers yesterday confirmed that the striker had actually withdrawn himself from the squad for the trip to the Emirates.

It had been assumed prior to kick off that Balotelli had simply been left out of the squad, as has been the case on a number of occasions this season, following Balotelli’s failure to impress. But it later just seemed that the player had picked up a knock.

However, speaking following the match, Rodgers stated that the striker had actually withdrawn himself.

“He trained on Friday afternoon with the team and he took a slight knock to his knee and he deemed himself not able to travel.

“I’m not a medic. He felt it was too sore to travel. The medical staff have looked at it. It was just something that he himself didn’t feel comfortable enough to travel.” Rodgers is quoted as saying, by the Daily Mail.

The controversial forward has had an unfruitful spell at Anfield so far and it has become clear that Brendan Rodgers doesn’t see a place in his team or a future at the club for the striker, and this latest incident is likely to only push Balotelli closer to the exit door come the summer.