Roberto Mancini axed Mario Balotelli after new bust-up?

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli was reportedly axed from the City team against Real Madrid earlier this week after landing in hot water with manager Roberto Mancini.

The Italy international was not included in the Premier League champions' side that lost 3-2 in the Champions League group match at the Bernabeu on Tuesday.

It is understood that Mancini was furious with the 22-year-old after he discovered that the controversial frontman had partied into the early hours of the morning following City's 1-1 draw with Stoke City on Saturday, according to the Daily Star.

It is unclear whether Balotelli will be included in Mancini's squad for this weekend's highly-anticipated league clash with Arsenal.