Report: Liverpool hand Mario Balotelli compassionate leave

Liverpool have reportedly given striker Mario Balotelli compassionate leave, allowing him to miss the early stages of pre-season.

The Italian was not present as the Reds returned to training for the first time ahead of the 2015-16 campaign yesterday.

The Telegraph claims that Balotelli's adoptive father, Francesco, died over the weekend and the club has given him extra time off, although he is expected to fly to Australia for a pre-season tour on Sunday.

Balotelli, who is originally from Ghana, first lived with his adoptive parents when he was three.