Gerrard will miss World Cup finals

Steven Gerrard will require an operation on his groin and will miss the World Cup finals.

Scans have confirmed he needs surgery, which he will undergo later this week.

The club hope he will be fit to join his club mates when they report for pre-season training in the second week of July.

Gerrard told Liverpool's website: "The rehabilitation period for this sort of operation is six weeks, so obviously I'm going to miss the World Cup which is a massive disappointment.

"However, I need to get myself right as I wouldn't have been able to do myself or the team justice in Japan.

''In the short term it's a big blow, but I'm only 21 and confident this surgery means I'll be involved in other major tournaments in the future.

"I want to send all the England lads my best wishes for the tournament and let them know I'll be cheering them on from home.

''My priority now has to be to get myself fit for the start of next season with Liverpool."