World Cup blow for Gerrard

Gerrard limped out of Saturday's game against Ipswich Town with what was thought to be a groin strain but the problem is worse than first thought and he had to travel to Belgium to see a specialist.

The scans have now proved that an operation is needed to cure the problem meaning the 21-year-old's World Cup dreams have been shattered.

Liverpool announced the news on the club's website saying that the midfielder will require the operation but will be back fit for pre-season training with the rest of his club team-mates.

"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," Gerrard told the club's website.

"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 for the national side 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."

The news will be a massive blow to Sven Goran Eriksson who was clinging to the slim hope that Gerrard would recover in time to fly to The Far East.

"The important thing now is for Steven to have a successful operation so he is available for Liverpool and England next season," Eriksson told FA.com. "We wish him a speedy recovery."

With Kieron Dyer looking doubtful, and David Beckham and Nicky Butt recovering from injuries, England have a real problem in midfield.

Eriksson will now be without one of his main players for the finals, and although Danny Murphy and Trevor Sinclair have joined the squad as replacements, it is likely that Butt will get the nod in midfield, providing he can recover from his injury.