Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers hopes to unleash Mario Balotelli against Man Utd

BRENDAN RODGERS is ready to throw Mario Balotelli into Sunday's crunch clash with Manchester United.

The Liverpool striker, who has been out since the start of November, has stepped up his recovery work after missing six games with a groin injury.

And boss Rodgers desperately wants him back for the trip to Old Trafford - if he is fully-fit.

Liverpool trail their bitter rivals by seven points heading into the game.

Balotelli has scored just two goals since his £16m move from AC Milan and has yet to find the net in the Premier League.

But Rodgers has been having to rely on the out-of-form Rickie Lambert in his absence with Daniel Sturridge still recovering from a thigh problem.

The Kop boss knows falling further behind their top-four rivals will be a massive blow heading into the festive period.

TELLI-VISION: Brendan Rodgers hopes Mario Balotelli (right) can hand Liverpool a much-needed boost

He also is desperate for a positive result after Tuesday night's Champions League exit at the hands of Basel.

A win over United could spark their season into life and Balotelli famously scored twice at Old Trafford Manchester City's memorable 6-1 win.

And Rodgers would love any sort of winner at the same venue on Sunday, with defeat sure to pile even more pressure on the Kop boss.

Meanwhile, it has emerged Adam Lallana has been playing through the pain barrier to help Liverpool's cause.

The 25-year-old broke two ribs against Leicester last week.

The former Southampton man managed 67 minutes against Sunderland after taking pain killers.

There was some puzzlement when he was only an unused sub in the draw with Basel despite Liverpool needing to win to have any chance of going through.

But he is still expected to be in the squad for Sunday.