Gerrard out for 10 to 15 days

Liverpool’s England international Steven Gerrard will have a groin operation on Thursday and will be out of action for between 10 and 15 days, manager Rafael Benitez revealed.

Dirk Kuyt’s goal three minutes from the end of extra-time at Anfield on Wednesday night ensured Liverpool progressed to the group stages of the Champions League at the expense of an unfortunate Standard Liege.

It had been decided Gerrard would play through the pain barrier for this match, Benitez added. Gerrard will therefore miss England’s World Cup qualifying matches against Andorra and Croatia early next month but should be fit for Liverpool’s top-of-the-table clash against Manchester United on September 13. LIVERPOOL, England, Thursday, AFP