Liverpool: AC Milan wait on approval from Anfield for Mario Balotelli to undergo groin surgery

On-loan AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli is set to undergo surgery to address a groin problem as soon as the Serie A giants are given the green light by Liverpool. After a disastrous return to the Premier League in the 2014-15 season, the 24-year-old returned to Serie A to rejoin Milan during the summer transfer window on a season-long loan.

The Italy international was handed a strict code of conduct to abide to by upon his return to the Rossoneri and showed early signs of rediscovering his form in the early stages of the season. However, Balotelli has been hampered by a groin injury that has ruled him out since the end of September and Milan are keen for the player to undergo surgery after holding a consultation with specialists in Copenhagen on 9 November.

Milan have encouraged the striker to have the surgery, believing he will make a full recovery within six weeks of the procedure, according to Italian newspaper Corriere della Serra. But the same publication states Liverpool, as Balotelli's parent club, will have the final word on the matter.

The striker made just four appearances during his second spell at the Italian giants before injury struck. The former Manchester City star joined Liverpool in a £16m ($24.1m) move but endured a hugely disappointing campaign under Brendan Rodgers, scoring just four goals all season.

Milan confirmed their decision to seek further medical advice to address the problem on 9 November. "AC Milan announce that today Mario Balotelli was subjected to a further consultation in Copenhagen with Professor Per Holmich," the club said in a short statement. "The medical staff of AC Milan and Liverpool will agree shortly a new course of treatment."