Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says Mario Balotelli is definitely in his plans.
The 24-year old Italian striker has struggled for form since his £16million summer move from AC Milan and there have been suggestions that he could be on his way out the Anfield exit door in January.
However, Rodgers has assured the former Inter Milan and Manchester City forward that he has a future on Merseyside once he regains full fitness.
"He's still very much a Liverpool player but he's injured at the moment and there's nothing more to add," said Rodgers ahead of the home clash with Sunderland on the weekend.
"He's not fit to play and my concentration is on players who are fit and available to play and that's my only thinking at the moment.
"He is working with the medical team on a daily basis and I trust the team of people here to look after injuries.
"At this moment in time the team is doing well and whenever he is back fit then we will see where he is at.
"Hopefully he will be available sooner rather than later."
