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PICTURES: Mario Balotelli ALL SMILES again in training despite January sale threat
MARIO BALOTELLI was back smiling today - after a torrid week at Liverpool.
Balotelli is facing a battle to save his Liverpool career after his toughest week at the club since leaving AC Milan in August in a cut-price £16million deal.
The Italian striker could be offloaded as early as January after coming under-fire following the Reds' 3-0 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid on Wednesday.
Balotelli put in an anonymous first-half display and was criticised for swapping shirts with Real defender Pepe at half-time - after which he was hooked for Adam Lallana.
But the 24-year-old looked back in good spirits today as he trained with the rest of the Liverpool squad at their Melwood base.
Balotelli was seen sharing jokes with Lucas Leiva, Glen Johnson, Javier Manquillo and even Brendan Rodgers' assistant Colin Pascoe.
He looked full of energy during shooting drills and mini games - although was on his back at one point.
Balotelli did appear to be feeling the cold as he trained with a scarf and gloves on Merseyside.
As the session ended a flock of geese flew in a V formation over the ground which made the ex-Manchester City ace look up startled.
Whether that proves symbolic for Balotelli and he also departs Liverpool remains to be seen, but the spotlight will return to him at Anfield against Hull tomorrow (3pm).