Infection forces Gerrard out until September

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will be out of action until September after going into hospital on Saturday for treatment on an infection related to his groin injury. Gerrard is expected to spend several days in hospital while he is given antibiotics to cure the infection before returning to the club's Melwood training ground to continue his rehabilitation. The England midfielder hasn't played for Kenny Dalglish's side since March when he had surgery in a bid to cure a recurring groin problem. Gerrard has missed all of Liverpool's pre-season programme, with the infection further slowing an already difficult recovery after the operation. The 30-year-old will now be ruled out of Liverpool's opening three Premier League fixtures against Sunderland, Arsenal and Bolton. "Steven Gerrard today began a course of antibiotic treatment for an infection related to an ongoing groin problem," a statement on Liverpool's website read. "He is expected to remain in hospital for several days while the precautionary procedure is completed. "The player will then return to Melwood to continue his rehabilitation programme and is expected to be available for selection in September."