Liverpool: Liverpool have confirmed that striker Mario Balotelli has been given compassionate leave after he missed the first day of pre-season training on Monday.

The 24-year-old Italian was due to return along with the rest of the squad, but was not with his team-mates when they reassembled amid reports of the death of his adoptive father Francesco at the weekend. Liverpool confirmed that Balotelli has been granted compassionate leave, but insisted that the details remain private.