BY MOSES ADEYEMI

Mario Ballotelli was overlooked by Rodgers for Liverpool ‘s FA Cup fourth round 0-0 draw with Bolton Wanderers at Anfield because the Italian forward is not working well enough in training and does not fit in with his current style of play.

Balotelli was “not well” in the past week and, as such, was not available to be selected for the League Cup semi-final first-leg against Chelsea on Tuesday.

He was fit for selection for Saturday’s match but Rodgers opted against bringing him in despite the continued absence of Daniel Sturridge due to injury.

“I’ve had a chat with Mario,” Rodgers told the press. “He knows exactly what’s required to be in this squad before he can be in the team. He is available, like the rest of the team. We had about an hour or so yesterday chatting. I think he understands where it’s at.

Rodgers says Balotelli has learned a lot about what is expected of him at Anfield due to the team’s recent performances, and will return to the matchday squad when he demonstrates a greater work ethic in training.