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Liverpool full-back Jon Flanagan is facing an extended spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on his left knee.

The Reds expect to be without the 21-year-old Academy graduate for a number of months after his hopes of a comeback were dashed.

Flanagan has been hampered by fluid on his knee since the club's pre-season tour of America and hasn't featured since July's friendly against Preston.

His Reds career so far in pictures:

He was scheduled to return to full training this month but with Flanagan still in discomfort the decision was taken for him to go under the knife.

It has been a frustrating summer for the young defender, who is close to signing a new long-term contract.

He has been unable to kick on from last season when he firmly established himself in Brendan Rodgers' side and saw his outstanding form rewarded with a full England debut against Ecuador in June.

The Reds will also be without the injured Daniel Sturridge, Joe Allen, Emre Can and Glen Johnson for Saturday's trip to West Ham.

Martin Skrtel is fit to return and Lazar Markovic is available after suspension.