Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge to miss start of next season

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that striker Daniel Sturridge will miss the start of next season after hip surgery.

The England international, 25, underwent a "successful" operation in the USA earlier this week after failing to make an appearance since the FA Cup victory over Blackburn on April 8.

In his pre-match press-conference ahead of Liverpool's clash with Chelsea on Sunday, which is live on Sky Sports 1HD, Rodgers said: "We anticipate Daniel will be back training around September time and we are hopeful the issues he's had have been resolved."

Sturridge told his fans on social media on Tuesday: "I just want to let the world know I've had a successful operation on my hip. Onwards and upwards from here. Thanks for the support."

After a strong start to the season, Sturridge was forced out for almost five months with a thigh injury suffered playing for England on September 2, followed by a problem with his groin before Christmas.

He travelled to the United States for rehabilition earlier this year and scored on his return against West Ham on January 31, but sustained a hip problem after scoring in the defeat to Manchester United on March 22.

Sturridge did feature against Arsenal and Blackburn in April but has not played since.