Liverpool and England captain Steven Gerrard is to have an operation on his left shoulder which will rule him out of the rest of the season, it was announced on Tuesday.
The operation means midfielder Gerrard will also miss England's friendly internationals against the Republic of Ireland at Wembley on May 29 and 2014 World Cup hosts Brazil on June 2.
Gerrard will undergo surgery later this week and is due to return in time for Liverpool's pre-season programme.
Gerrard has played with the shoulder injury for several months but following an early collision with Everton midfielder Leon Osman was in clear discomfort during the goalless draw at Anfield on Sunday.
However, he still stayed on the field for the full 90 minutes.
But given Liverpool, after another disappointing campaign, have little left to play in their final two league matches against Fulham and QPR, Anfield chiefs have decided now is the best time for star man Gerrard, 33 later this month, to go under the knife.
"Liverpool have confirmed Steven Gerrard will undergo surgery on a recurrent shoulder problem this week," said a Liverpool statement.
{{/usCountry}}"Liverpool have confirmed Steven Gerrard will undergo surgery on a recurrent shoulder problem this week," said a Liverpool statement.
{{/usCountry}}"The captain's injury has progressively worsened in recent weeks and requires an operation to cure it.
"Gerrard will now miss the final two games of 2012-13, but he is expected to be fit for the start of pre-season training this summer."