Liverpool star Steven Gerrard says he had no choice but to have an operation to resolve his groin problem even if it means missing England's two World Cup qualifiers.

The England star underwent the groin operation earlier this week after the club decided the time was right to get the injury cleared up.

"I've been struggling for a few weeks now. It's really frustrating for me because I want to play in every game," Gerrard told the News of the World.

"It's a very tough time as a player when you're injured. I've got some very big games coming up for club and country, so it's a massive frustration for me.

"But the fact is I couldn't reach the level I need at the moment because my groin was too sore.

"It was clear I needed to get the problem sorted.

"The doctor told me I needed to see a specialist. And he felt an operation was needed."