PHOTO: Balotelli proves he missed Liverpool's FA Cup game because of sickness

Mario Balotelli took to social media Wednesday in an effort to dispel rumours about his absence from Liverpool's FA Cup win against Blackburn.

Speculation about his unavailability emerged when it was revealed Balotelli would miss the match because of an illness, leading many to draw their own conclusions about the Italian's difficult time with the Merseyside club.

To prove his critics wrong, Balotelli posted a picture of a thermometer accompanied by a message for the naysayers.

Nothing stop me to watch my team winning. ( at least this time you know the real reason why I am out) . MISS THE PICTH SO MUCH #unluckyseason #YNWA #illbeback