Liverpool's Steven Gerrard will miss the start of the Premier League season as he continues to recover from a groin injury.
The England midfielder struggled with the injury for much of last season, restricting him to just 21 league appearances for the Reds.
The 31-year-old is expected to be out until September as he begins treatment to cure the problem.
"Steven Gerrard today began a course of antibiotic treatment for an infection related to an ongoing groin problem," read a statement on the official Liverpool website.
"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."
Liverpool begin their Premier League campaign with a home fixture against Sunderland on Saturday, August 13.
