Mario Balotelli will play for Liverpool on Saturday despite illness
Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli will play Saturday against Aston Villa after missing practice Thursday with an illness, coach Brendan Rodgers told the Liverpool Echo.
Balotelli signed with Liverpool last month for £16 million from AC Milan, and manager Rodgers said he will make his home debut on Saturday.
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“Mario has had a bit of a bug that we wanted to make sure he didn’t spread around the group,” Rodgers revealed.
“But he’ll be okay for Saturday. I think he has felt the warmth of the club since he’s been here and I’m sure he will look forward to playing at Anfield."
The 24-year-old Balotelli scored 26 goals during 43 matches for Milan during his year and a half with the club.
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Liverpool will be without striker Daniel Sturridge, who will miss the next three weeks after straining his thigh while training with the England national team.
Liverpool has six points through three Premier League games.
- Paul Palladino
