Manchester City's Mario Balotelli to miss hectic winter schedule?

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli will reportedly be unavailable for selection during the hectic festive Premier League schedule in order to be with his newborn baby.

The 22-year-old is believed to have requested two weeks off to be by his girlfriend Rafaella Fico's side in Italy as she prepares to give birth to their first child on Christmas Day.

It is thought that City manager Roberto Mancini was hoping that Balotelli would not be away for a long period of time but it is believed that the Italy international will be absent for the majority of the club's busy winter schedule, according to the Daily Star.

The controversial frontman is expected to miss Premier League encounters against Reading, Sunderland, Norwich City and Stoke City.