Mario Balotelli can 'do the business' for Liverpool, says former striker Michael Owen

With Daniel Sturridge injured again the Italian must start to perform

Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli (GETTY IMAGES)

Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen is backing misfiring striker Mario Balotelli to end his drought this weekend and fill in for the injured Daniel Sturridge.

The England striker was expected to return against Crystal Palace this weekend, having not played since 31 August, but has been ruled out until the New Year having suffered another injury setback.

Brendan Rodgers' team are struggling in 11th place in the Premier League with Balotelli, Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini all without a goal in the league this season.

But Owen says upcoming games against Palace, Stoke, Leicester and Sunderland are the perfect fixtures to end the Italian's run of poor form.

"The only obvious solution is for Brendan Rodgers to get the most out of Balotelli. He is more than capable and the upcoming fixtures are not the most daunting.

"It's a big opportunity for Super Mario to do the business and I think he will."

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