Raheem Sterling included in Liverpool squad for pre-season tour of Far East and Australia... but Mario Balotelli is left out

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Raheem Sterling is part of Liverpool's 30-man squad for their tour
The Reds fly to Thailand on Sunday before trips to Australia and Malaysia
Manchester City are set to make a third bid of over £40m for Sterling
Sterling told Brendan Rodgers that he did not want to go on the club's tour
Mario Balotelli, Fabio Borini and Jose Enrique all left out of the squad
Roberto Firmino, Philippe Coutinho and Emre Can having extended breaks

Published: 06:19 EST, 11 July 2015 | Updated: 07:56 EST, 11 July 2015

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Raheem Sterling has been included in Liverpool's squad for their pre-season tour of the Far East and Australia, despite attempts to force through a move away from the club.

Sterling returned to training at Melwood on Friday after missing two days due to illness and is now set to fly to Thailand with his team-mates on Sunday.

Brendan Rodgers' side face the Thai All Stars on Tuesday before games against Brisbane Roar and Adelaide United in Australia, and a match against a Malaysia XI on July 24.

Raheem Sterling was back in training on Friday (left) after joining up with his team-mates on Monday (right)

Sterling informed manager Brendan Rodgers that he did not want to go on the club's pre-season tour

Sterling trains alongside Andre Wisdom at Melwood on Liverpool's first day of pre-season on Monday

Explained: Why Sterling is Europe's most valuable young player

Sterling informed Rodgers that he did not want to go on tour earlier this week but the club have ignored his request and included him in a 30-man travelling party.

The move comes after Sterling phoned in sick on Wednesday and Thursday, informing the club that he was not well enough to take part in Rodgers' planned sessions.

A doctor is believed to have visited the former QPR youngster at his home but there is no suggestion that he broke club rules by not turning up at Melwood.

The England international had hoped to stay on Merseyside and sort out his future after Manchester City saw a £40million bid for his services rejected.

City are set to make an improved third offer for the 20-year-old as they believe the rift between Rodgers and Sterling will allow them to sign the player for less than Liverpool's £50m asking price.

Sterling is prepared to force a stand-off with the club and he could face disciplinary action if he refuses to participate in the lucrative two-week tour.

Mario Balotelli and Fabio Borini, pictured arriving at the Hope Street Hotel on Thursday, have been left out

Jose Enrique (left), pictured in training on Monday, has not been included in Rodgers' 30-man travelling party

LIVERPOOL SQUAD FOR PRE-SEASON TOUR OF FAR EAST AND AUSTRALIA

Goalkeepers: Mignolet, Bogdan, Fulton

Defenders: Clyne, Gomez, Lovren, Moreno, Toure, Wisdom, Cleary, Skrtel, Sakho, Maguire

Midfielders: Allen, Henderson, Lucas, Milner, Chirivella, Rossiter, Teixeira, Ibe, Kent, Ojo, Wilson, Lallana, Markovic

Forwards: Sterling, Ings, Lambert, Origi.

While it remains to be seen whether Sterling will refuse to travel, three other first-team squad members will not have a choice.

Mario Balotelli, Fabio Borini and Jose Enrique have all been left out by Rodgers as the club bids to move the trio on during the summer transfer window.

New signing Roberto Firmino and compatriot Philippe Coutinho have been given an extended break after their exploits with Brazil at the Copa America, while Emre Can has not been included after representing Germany at the recent Under 21 European Championship.