29th August, 2014
Mario Balotelli and Adam Lallana could make their Liverpool debuts this weekend after being named in the Reds’ squad for their Premier League clash at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
Italian striker Balotelli is available for the first time since completing his £16 million ($26 million) transfer from AC Milan on Monday, while England midfielder Lallana has returned to fitness after missing the start of the season with a knee injury following his £25 million switch from Southampton.
Despite concerns over the potential for problems with notorious bad-boy Balotelli, who is back in the Premier League 18 months after leaving Manchester City, he has already made a big impact in training according to Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.
“Mario has settled in very well and has looked fantastic in training,” Rodgers said on Friday.
“He is a good lad. The focus is very much on his football and he has done very well.
“He is top quality, there is no doubt about that. He is a class act, the boy, with wonderful football qualities.”
After spending big to improve his squad following the departure of Luis Suarez to Barcelona, Rodgers also indicated there are likely to be some departures before the transfer window closes on Monday.
“There will probably be more movement out than coming in I would say,” Rodgers said.
“There are offers for players to go and every player here knows their situation.
“If they are here after that deadline on Monday, then they have decided to stay, but the game-time will be very limited.
“At this moment in time, there are not many more to come in, if any.”
One player who has already left is Jordon Ibe, with Liverpool announcing on Friday that the teenage winger has joined Championship club Derby County on a season-long loan deal.