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Mario Balotelli returns to Liverpool as Jurgen Klopp holds pre-season training session

Balotelli returns to Liverpool after an unsuccessful spell back in Italy with AC Milan
Image: Mario Balotelli returned to Liverpool on Sunday

Mario Balotelli returned to Liverpool on Sunday as Jurgen Klopp held his second pre-season training session ahead of the new Premier League season.

New signings Sadio Mane, Joel Matip, Loris Karius and Marko Grujic all trained at Melwood alongside those Liverpool players not called up for international duty this summer.

Jurgen Klopp manager of Liverpool and Zeljko Buvac fi
Image: Jurgen Klopp shares a joke with his assistant manager Zeljko Buvac

A number of players who were loaned out last season, including Luis Alberto, Lazar Markovic and Allan, returned to the club for pre-season training.

Sadio Mane - a £36m signing from Southampton - joined up with the rest of the Liverpool squad at Melwood
Image: Sadio Mane - a £36m signing from Southampton - joined up with his new team-mates

However, all eyes were on Balotelli, who returns to Liverpool from an unsuccessful season-long loan at AC Milan.

The former Inter Milan and Manchester City forward scored just one goal in 23 appearances in Serie A last term.

Joel Matip with Jurgen Klopp at Melwood
Image: Another new signing, Joel Matip talks to Jurgen Klopp

The 25-year-old Italy international is widely expected to depart Anfield this summer but potential moves to Turkey and China have stalled in recent weeks.

Balotelli trains with his Liverpool team-mates ahead of the new season
Image: Balotelli trains with his Liverpool team-mates

Balotelli took part in Klopp's training session, which was also closely monitored by the German's assistant managers Peter Krawietz and Zeljko Buvac.

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Roberto Firmino was another of Liverpool's stars being put through their paces
Image: Roberto Firmino was another of Liverpool's stars being put through their paces

Liverpool are due to face Chelsea, AC Milan, Roma and Barcelona as part of their pre-season fixture list as they continue their preparations for their Premier League opener away at Arsenal on August 13.

New signing Joel Matip (centre) trains at Melwood for the first time
Image: New signing Joel Matip (centre) trains at Melwood for the first time

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