Soccer: Balotelli could miss Barcelona

(ANSA) – Milan, October 18 – AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli could miss Tuesday’s Champions League match at the San Siro with Barcelona after suffering a thigh injury, Milan said.

Milan, 12th in Serie A 13 points behind leaders AS Roma, had been set to welcome Balotelli back from a three-game ban for abusing the ref after last month’s 2-1 home loss to second-placed Napoli. The Italy striker got a thigh knock in training that definitely rules him out of Saturday’s home game against Udinese, Milan said in a statement on its Web site. The mercurial 23-year-old star “could be doubtful” for Barcelona’s visit to the San Siro, it added.

“Mario Balotelli has reported a muscular pain in his right thigh. The player will be monitored in the following days to ascertain the extent of the problem and the appropriate treatment.” After two games in Champions League Group H, Milan, on four points, are two points behind group leaders Barcelona after a win against Celtic and a draw away to Ajax.