Liverpool defender Joe Gomez is set for surgery on his leg.

The young centre-back is still recovering from the leg fracture that has meant an absence from the first team since December.

And the latest prognosis means that he must go through surgery so that he can recover fully.

It means that he will be out for some time, but the Reds are still hopeful he will be back before the end of the season.

Gomez said in a statement: "Obviously being out for longer than we'd first hoped for is hard to swallow but it's part and parcel of the industry.

"It was an injury caused by an impact, like nearly all the injuries I've had in my career, so I know it's just a case of when it's fully healed I'm good to go again.

"The hardest part is not being able to help the team and contribute on the pitch at the moment, so it's important I come back ready to go and this procedure will help with that.

"My only focus is getting back for Liverpool as soon as possible and I can promise the supporters I'll be working hard every day to do that."