Steven Gerrard: Liverpool captain to have shoulder surgery

Liverpool captain and England international Steven Gerrard will have surgery on a shoulder injury this week.

The midfielder, 32, has started all 36 of the Reds' Premier League games this season.

However, Gerrard's injury has worsened in recent weeks and Liverpool have decided to bring forward the operation.

He will miss the final two Premier League games of the season, against Fulham and Queens Park Rangers, but is expected to be fit for pre-season.

The operation means Gerrard will miss England's friendlies against the Republic of Ireland and Brazil on 29 May and 2 June respectively.

Gerrard played in Liverpool's goalless draw with rivals Everton on Sunday - a result that leaves the Reds seventh with 55 points and unable to finish higher than sixth.