Mario Balotelli will return to Liverpool's squad for the festive program but manager Brendan Rodgers was hardly effusive in his praise of the Italy striker's credentials on Wednesday.
The 24-year-old Balotelli has struggled to make an impact at Anfield since his £16 million ($24.88 million) move from AC Milan in August, managing two goals in 15 games.
His off-field antics have also made the headlines and he was fined £25,000 and banned for last weekend's 2-2 draw with Arsenal after posting an offensive message on social media.