Balotelli to miss match Sunday vs. Sassuolo with groin injury

Mario Balotelli's groin injury is more serious than first thought, according to AC Milan manager Sinisa Mihajlovic, as the 25-year-old will miss his third straight match Sunday.

Balotelli suffered the ailment in training earlier this month, and he's been unavailable for selection for both club and country as a result.

He's posted pictures of his recovery, often with a positive tone, but Mihajlovic told reporters ahead of the fixture against Sassuolo the fitness of his striker is "a bit up and down."

The manager added: "We want to try and resolve his injury as soon as possible. He is doing everything possible, but it’s not easy to deal with a groin injury. It’s revealed itself to be more serious than first thought."

Balotelli returned to Milan on a season-long loan from Liverpool. He scored in his second debut for the Rossoneri against Udinese, launching a wonderful free-kick that helped them to a 3-2 win.

Incidentally, Milan hasn't won in Serie A since.