LIVERPOOL: Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will miss the start of the Premier League season after picking up an infection related to a troublesome groin injury that has sidelined him since March.
Liverpool said Saturday the England midfielder has been admitted to hospital and has started a course of medication to combat the infection.
“He is expected to remain in hospital for several days while the precautionary procedure is completed,” a club statement said.
“The player will then return to Melwood (Liverpool’s training complex) to continue his rehabilitation program and is expected to be available for selection in September.”
The latest setback in his attempts to recover from his groin injury, which required surgery last season, means Gerrard will miss at least Liverpool’s first three league matches, against Sunderland, Arsenal and Bolton. The Reds’ first match in September is away to Stoke on Sept. 10.
He is also unlikely to feature in England’s 2012 European Championship qualifying matches against Bulgaria on Sept. 2 and Wales four days later.
The 31-year-old central midfielder stayed at home during Liverpool’s recent tour of the Far East in a bid to regain full fitness. (Agencies)
