Liverpool have confirmed that striker Mario Balotelli has been given compassionate leave after he missed the first day of pre-season training on Monday.

The Italian was due to return along with the rest of the squad, but was not with his team-mates when they reassembled.

There was no further explanation for his absence from the club.

However, it is likely in relation to the death of Balotelli's adoptive father Francesco over the weekend and the striker has tweeted his thanks about the support he has received from fans and family.

Thanks everyone for the support.. I really wanna thanks everybody â¤ï¸. My family thanks all of you too.

— Mario Balotelli (@FinallyMario) July 5, 2015