LIVERPOOL (AFP) - 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 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.