Balotelli suffered injury scare in warm-up prior to scoring against Swansea

Mario Balotelli finally scored his second goal for Liverpool on Tuesday, temporarily silencing some critics by helping the Reds come from behind to secure a 2-1 win over Swansea in the Capital One Cup.

Following the match, the club revealed that the Italian was in danger of missing the contest altogether after an injury scare during the pre-match warm-up at Anfield.

"He was sent in because he twisted his studs in the ground," assistant manager Colin Pascoe said. "He felt something in his knee so he was sent in to see the physio. We had to assess him. He is fine but he went to take a precaution."

Balotelli's goal ended a nine-game drought, which had seen him become the whipping-boy for the club's recent struggles.

"He is working hard and he got his just rewards coming on and getting the goal," Pascoe added. "It is great for Mario. He wants to work all the time. He is a resilient lad with a tremendous talent. He wants to work on his movement and his finishing."