Brendan Rodgers: 'Mario Balotelli out of FA Cup clash due to illness'

Liverpool coach Brendan Rodgers has revealed that striker Mario Balotelli was left out of the team's FA Cup clash with Blackburn Rovers due to illness.

The Anfield side had hoped to recall the frontman after he missed the team's defeat to Arsenal, but Rodgers has said that the Italy international was struck down with illness on the eve of the sixth-round replay.

"He travelled and he trained well," said the 42-year-old coach, according to the Daily Star.

"But he fell ill last night and woke up not feeling great. The advice was to send him back."

Liverpool currently hold fifth spot in the Premier League standings, with 54 points from 31 games played.