Football – Liverpool v Everton – Barclays Premier League – Anfield – 5/5/13 Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard looks dejected Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Carl Recine Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.

Steven Gerrard’s season looks set to finish prematurely, with Liverpool considering bringing forward plans for their captain to undergo shoulder surgery.

Gerrard has been playing with a protective strapping on his left shoulder in recent weeks and, despite being Liverpool’s best performer in the goalless draw against Everton last Sunday, his discomfort was clear at times.

Liverpool had planned for the 32-year-old England captain to have an operation at the end of the season, but they are contemplating whether it is worth waiting another fortnight, given that they have precious little to play for in the rest of the present campaign.

Gerrard is facing a recovery period of six to eight weeks after having surgery, meaning that he will miss England’s friendly internationals against Ireland