Mario Balotelli stuffed at Liverpool unless he proves by Christmas that he is no turkey

Mario Balotelli is fighting for his Liverpool career.

The Anfield giants' manager Brendan Rodgers stressed on Thursday that there is no room for sentiment in football. And that means he won't hesitate to bring in a replacement forward during the January transfer window if necessary.

Rodgers and Balotelli met before Thursday training and the player was fined for swapping shirts with Real Madrid defender Pepe at half-time of the 3-0 Champions League defeat by the Spanish side the night before.

More importantly than the shirt-swapping issue, the Italian's performances since his 16million move from AC Milan two months ago are proving a huge concern to Rodgers - and the January transfer window opens in 68 days.

He said: At this moment in time, Ill be working with the players that we have and he is one of them. Not just improving him, but improving all the players. And we will see come January what the team needs."

Balotelli has had the second-most shots per game of any striker in any of the top five leagues in Europe, but is yet to score in the Premier League. His only Liverpool goal so far came in the Champions League win over Ludogorets.

Rodgers said: We brought in the player to give him a chance, and [we] give him every chance. At this moment in time, of course, he hasnt scored the goals we would like or want. We have to give him that opportunity, and we will give him every opportunity.

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Mario Balotelli stuffed at Liverpool unless he proves by Christmas that he is no turkey