Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is reportedly planning to bench Mario Balotelli after pictures emerged of the striker leaving a strip club on Friday morning.
Balotelli, who has just returned from his four-game ban for stamping on Scott Parker, was photographed leaving the club in Liverpool just before three o'clock in the morning, less than 48 hours before a game.
It is understood that Mancini was counting on Balotelli to start for the Citizens, who host Bolton Wanderers this afternoon, with teammates Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko returning from international duties in midweek, according to The Sun.
However, it is now believed that the Italian will drop the controversial striker.
Mancini defended Balotelli on Friday after his player faced cricism from national coach Cesare Prandelli.
