Italy striker Mario Balotelli is a huge doubt for his side's opening Confederations Cup match after limping out of training earlier today.
The AC Milan forward has been struggling with a niggling thigh problem, but was still widely expected to lead the line for Italy in their Group A opener against Mexico on Sunday night.
During a training session this afternoon in Rio de Janiero the poacher pulled up with a pain in his right thigh, immediately withdrawing from the practice as a precaution.
Azzurri team doctor Enrico Castellacci has calmed fears over Balotelli's long-term fitness, insisting that the medical staff remain confident of a speedy recovery.
He is quoted by Football Italia as saying: "We are optimistic on his recovery, but we'll have to evaluate his condition tomorrow."
Italy coach Cesare Prandelli was handed one positive piece of news during training today, with Balotelli's Milan strike partner Stephan El Shaarawy recovering from a muscle problem to take a full part in the session.
Liam Power
