Gerrard needs groin op

Steven Gerrard is to have surgery on his groin that is likely to rule him out of England's opening two World Cup qualifiers next month, manager Rafa Benitez said. Gerrard played in Liverpool's dramatic 1-0 win over Standard Liege that put them in the...

Steven Gerrard is to have surgery on his groin that is likely to rule him out of England's opening two World Cup qualifiers next month, manager Rafa Benitez said.

Gerrard played in Liverpool's dramatic 1-0 win over Standard Liege that put them in the Champions League group stage but is now expected to be out of action for 10 to 15 days.

Speaking after Dirk Kuyt's goal three minutes before the end of extra time earned Liverpool a 1-0 aggregate victory in the third qualifying round tie, Benitez said: "Steven has a groin problem and he will have an operation.

"He has been playing some games in pain. He has not been fit and we decided this week the best moment for the operation is after this game."

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