However, England coach Fabio Capello is reportedly annoyed that he did not know that Gerrard was to undergo an operation and this has caused a rift with Reds boss Rafael Benitez.

"Steven Gerrard has had the operation, it was not serious but he will not be available until after the international break," Benitez confirmed.

"I have spoken today to Fabio Capello about the situation, he asked me how Steven was and it was a good conversation. Everything was positive between us and I have explained to him the timing and when he will be fit.

"We had no option but to have the operation done now, there will be another international break soon anyway, and we could not wait any longer.

"The player had problems and we needed to do it straight away, we had no choice. Fabio Capello understands this."