Mario Balotelli to undergo groin surgery

AC Milan have confirmed that Mario Balotelli will undergo surgery on his groin due to a long-standing injury.

The Italian striker, who is on loan at the club from Liverpool, has not played since the last week of September and Milan have been reluctant to set a date for his return.

It was initially hoped that Balotelli would avoid surgery, but he will now fly to Munich for Wednesday's operation.

"AC Milan communicates that tomorrow Mario Balotelli will have surgery to correct a persistent groin injury in Munich, Germany," a club statement confirmed.

"The injury has been on-going for weeks and conservative treatment has not had the desired effect."

Balotelli has scored once in four Serie A appearances this season.