Mario Balotelli has been given compassionate leave

Mario Balotelli has been granted compassionate leave by Liverpool following the death of his adoptive father, the club confirmed on Tuesday.

Liverpool’s first-team squad – including Raheem Sterling - returned for pre-season training on Monday, but Balotelli was a notable absentee amid reports of the death of his adoptive father Francesco at the weekend.

The 24-year-old striker wrote on Twitter at the weekend: "Thanks everyone for the support. I really wanna thanks everybody. My family thanks all of you too."

Liverpool confirmed that Balotelli had been given leave but insist that the details remain private.

Balotelli will be looking for a big improvement in front of goal after last season

The club depart for their pre-season tour to the Far East and Australia this weekend and the Italian international is expected to join up with the squad at some stage.

Balotelli was born to Ghanaian parents in the Sicilian city of Palermo but was raised by the Balotelli family in Brescia from the age of two.

He has been linked with a move away from Merseyside after returning just four goals for the club following a £16m move from AC Milan last summer.

Liverpool have already reinforced their attacking options with the acquisition of England U21 striker Danny Ings from Burnley and Brazil international Roberto Firmino from TSG Hoffenheim.

Divock Origi has also joined his new team-mates after remaining on loan with Lille last season, while Liverpool have also been linked with a move for fellow Belgian international Christian Benteke from Aston Villa.