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Injuries to Balotelli, Neuer send stars home from international duty

Manuel Neuer

FILE - In this Oct. 7, 2014 file picture German national goalkeeper Manuel Neuer makes a save during a training session of Germany’s national soccer team in Frankfurt, Germany. Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has been ruled out of Tuesday’s friendly against Spain with a right knee injury. The German football federation says Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014 Neuer left the team hotel in Nuremberg following his side’s 4-0 European qualifying win over Gibraltar and will not rejoin the squad in Munich on Sunday ahead of the game in Vigo. (AP Photo/Michael Probst,file)

AP

The hits keep on coming for international stars, as Mario Balotelli and Manuel Neuer have joined David De Gea as players to miss game time with injuries suffered in training.

While De Gea is staying with Spain in case his dislocated finger heals quickly, the other two are heading home from international camp.

Neuer will miss a friendly against Spain with a right knee injury, and Germany coach Joachim Loew said he would’ve liked to play his best team against Spain but doesn’t have that luxury.

[ EURO: Greece boss Ranieri fired after Faroe Islands loss ]

As for Balotelli, his return to the Italy set-up has been halted by injuries to his “lower back and adductor muscles”. There hasn’t been a further update from Italy or Liverpool camp, so stay tuned.

Fortunately for Liverpool, Daniel Sturridge has returned to full training and could be ready to start against Crystal Palace next week should Balotelli be unable to play.

Follow @nicholasmendola