Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard could reportedly be out until September as fears grow over a lengthy rehabilitation following shoulder surgery.
Gerrard brought forward an operation to cure a persistent shoulder problem last month, with the aim of giving the 33-year-old a fighting chance of joining the club's pre-season preparations.
Originally the Reds skipper was expected to be sidelined for eight weeks, but according to The Sun there are now growing fears that he will struggle to be fit for the new campaign.
England manager Roy Hodgson could now be without his captain for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine at the beginning of September.
Reds boss Brendan Rodgers also has a fresh injury worry with striker Daniel Sturridge, who is still in a protective boot with an ankle problem sustained on international duty last week.
