Mario Balotelli’s Anfield career is over.

The Italy international was sent a brutally clear message by boss Brendan Rodgers on Thursday night, when he was left out of both Liverpool squads that will play the final preparation games before the start of the new season.

Rodgers has selected a strong unit to travel to Finland at the weekend, where the Reds will face HJK Helsinki as the final fixture in the club’s pre-season tour.

Philippe Coutinho will return to action, and summer arrivals Nathaniel Clyne, Joe Gomez, Danny Ings, James Milner and Divock Origi will all feature.

Balotelli wasn’t expected to be part of that tour squad after being left at home when the team flew out to Australia for a series of build-up fixtures, but the major surprise came when he was also ignored for a low-key game at Swindon.