BBC Sport have Liverpool fans shaking their heads here in the Football Transfer Tavern as they reveal the reasons why Mario Balotelli was a no show in the Reds’ FA Cup squad yesterday.
The Italian forward held showdown talks with Brendan Rodgers ahead of the tie with Bolton Wanderers and it seemed that after recovering from his illness that kept him out of the last couple of games, the forward would return to help his team.
However, Rodgers decided that he would not only omit the Italian from the squad altogether due to poor training but he would read him the riot act as well and tell the troubled player in no uncertain terms that he needs to shape up or ship out.
That is not something we think the Reds striker will actually be willing to do and in recent days, reports claimed Lazio were willing to rescue Balotelli from his Anfield nightmare.
This is despite Daniel Sturridge making it clear that he wants to see the former Manchester City forward firing and playing with him up top as soon as they are both fit and able to play.
