Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has defended troubled striker Mario Balotelli following his lacklustre performance during their 1-0 defeat against Hull City.

The Reds boss admitted the Italian has been "struggling" with his form all season, but insisted that he was only substituted at Hull because of an injury.

"Mario is doing his best - he's come off tonight with a foot injury. I think it's clear over the course of the season, not just in this game, that he's struggling," Rodgers told reporters.

"But Mario has got a few years left on his contract and it is fair to say that every single player here is playing for his future."

Liverpool paid £16m to bring Balotelli back to the Premier League from AC Milan last summer.