Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher expects to be out for 12 weeks after confirming he will undergo shoulder surgery.
Carragher's injury further depletes defensive resources with Daniel Agger expected to be out until mid-December with a calf injury.
Carragher told the club's website: "I'll be having surgery at the end of the week.
"The average is about 12 weeks. I'd like to come back before that but I've got to make sure it's right.
"It will probably be late February or early March when I'm looking to come back.
"It's difficult for me when I'm injured. It hasn't happened very often, and I'm very lucky with that I suppose, but maybe it's caught up with me a little bit now.
"I've been here before with a broken leg which put me out this length of time.
"It's not easy but you've got to get on with it, and it makes you more determined to get back.
"I'm sure towards the end of the season when people are maybe feeling a little bit tired I'll be raring to go."
