LIVERPOOL -- Liverpool were relieved Mario Balotelli was able to come on and score the equaliser in their Capital One Cup win over Swansea after fearing he would miss the game when he was hurt before kick-off.
The Italian went to see the physio after twisting his knee in the warm-up and then came on to score their 86th-minute equaliser before Dejan Lovren headed an injury-time decider to take Brendan Rodgers' side through to the quarterfinals.
Assistant manager Colin Pascoe also denied the striker disappeared back to the dressing room after an argument with first-team coach Mike Marsh.
He said in a news conference: "He was sent in because he twisted his studs in the ground. He felt something in his knee so he was sent in to see the physio. We had to assess him. He is fine but he went to take a precaution."
Balotelli's goal was just the second of his Liverpool career and ended a nine-game drought.
"He is working hard and he got his just rewards coming on and getting the goal," Pascoe added. "It is great for Mario. He wants to work all the time. He is a resilient lad with a tremendous talent. He wants to work on his movement and his finishing."
Finally! ��
- Mario Balotelli (@FinallyMario) October 28, 2014
Liverpool had trailed to a Marvin Emnes goal, but Pascoe claimed their performance in the 2-1 victory may have ranked as their best of the campaign.
He added: "The way we played was possibly the best we have played all season."