Nice coach Lucien Favre has explained leaving Mario Balotelli in the stands for their clash with Montpellier.

The former Liverpool striker was left out of the Nice squad by Favre.

The coach explained: "Balotelli starting? I need to be careful. He had two straight games (Marseille and Schalke). He was a little tired and rested when the squad was preparing for Montpellier.

"He expressed the need. He had a small thing with his groin and thigh.

"Today we will see how he goes. And then tomorrow."