Balotelli out 3 matches after picking up training injury

On-fire OGC Nice striker Mario Balotelli is set for a spell on the sidelines after picking up an injury in training ahead of his side's eventual Europa League loss to FC Schalke on Thursday.

The 26-year-old suffered a calf injury while participating in shooting drills in practice two days before the match and head coach Lucien Favre confirmed the Italian would miss out on several fixtures as a result.

"He'll miss the next three games that come in 10 days, that's a certainty," Favre said, as quoted by ESPN FC's Ian Holyman. "After that, we're not sure."

Nice will certainly miss Balotelli's presence on the field as the Italian has enjoyed a strong start to his Ligue 1 season, scoring seven goals in nine appearances in all competitions.