David Platt has confirmed Mario Balotelli faces a minor eye operation to correct a recurring problem.

The City striker is not expected to be out for too long and could be available again after the international break.

“Mario will have an operation in a few days’ time,” said Platt. “It’s not a major procedure and he should be back quite quickly.

“I’ve heard suggestions he will be out for a month but that’s not true and I’m not sure where that came from.

“Hopefully it will correct a problem he’s been having for some time and he can move on from there.”