Liverpool consider early Steven Gerrard surgery?

Liverpool will reportedly bring captain Steven Gerrard's shoulder surgery forward to ensure that he minimises the risk of missing crucial matches next season.

Gerrard has been suffering with a persistent shoulder complaint in recent months, but was planning to hold off any operation until the summer.

After taking another knock in Sunday's goalless Merseyside derby, Reds boss Brendan Rodgers wants his captain to go under the knife this week, according to The Sun.

The 32-year-old could now miss Liverpool's last two games of the Premier League season against Fulham and Queens Park Rangers.

Gerrard is also unlikely to feature in England's summer friendlies against Brazil and the Republic of Ireland.

An early operation would allow Gerrard to join the club's pre-season tour of Asia on schedule ahead of his testimonial match against Olympiakos in early August.