Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has been ruled out for a month after undergoing groin surgery.
The 30-year-old midfielder has been hampered by the problem in recent weeks and did not look 100% when he played in the Reds’ surprising 3-0 victory over Manchester United last weekend.
Gerrard was subsequently left out of Thursday’s Europa League defeat to Braga, and the club have now confirmed the England star has gone under the knife in a bid to solve the issue.
A statement released by the Merseyside giants read: “LFC can today confirm that Steven Gerrard has undergone successful surgery on his groin and will be out for up to four weeks.
“The decision was made following consultation with a specialist.”
Gerrard will now miss next week’s second leg against Braga, when Liverpool will attempt to overturn a one-goal deficit at Anfield, and he will also miss the Premier League clash with Sunderland, as well as England’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales.