Mario Balotelli scored just once in Serie A for AC Milan on loan from Liverpool last term

The controversial Italian striker spent last season on loan at AC Milan, but will rejoin the Liverpool squad with his long-term future still expected to lie away from Anfield.

Liverpool’s new fitness coach Andreas Kornmayer will put those players who have not been on international duty through their paces for the first time and Balotelli has been told he is expected to be among them.

There has been no firm interest from abroad in Balotelli, despite suggestions that a club in Turkey or the Chinese Super League would come forward.