Balotelli could miss Stoke clash

Striker Mario Balotelli could miss Manchester City’s next match against Stoke after undergoing laser-eye surgery in Italy yesterday.

The 22-year-old underwent the minor operation, a day earlier than expected so as to avoid the paparazzi, after recently suffering from conjunctivitis associated with wearing contact lenses.

Balotelli’s surgeon yesterday suggested he could return “in around 10 days” meaning he would be touch-and-go to be back in time for City’s trip to the Britannia Stadium on September 15.

“He had a few problems with contact lenses some years ago,” surgeon Emanuele Scuri said.

“We waited for the defect to stabilise over the last four years and this was the right time to have the operation. His eyes did not tolerate the lenses and had problems at the start of the season.

“I think in around 10 days he should be ready to play again.

“This surgery will enable Mario Balotelli to see very well.”

City waited until the international break to book Balotelli in for the procedure, which has ruled him out of Italy’s World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Malta.

Should Balotelli fail to return in time for the Stoke match he could be available when City open their Champions League campaign against Real Madrid three days later.