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JOE ALLEN will be out of action for three months once the Liverpool FC midfielder has undergone surgery on a shoulder injury.

The Reds are considering when to book the Wales international in for the operation after learning the extent of the rehabilitation period.

Allen has been hampered by the problem since October and it has gradually got worse to the point where his movement is being restricted and going under the knife is the only option.

The 23-year-old came off the bench and played through the pain barrier in Sunday’s 3-2 win over Tottenham at Anfield.

Allen is happy to persevere in order to play his part in Liverpool’s pursuit of a European place over the coming months but boss Brendan Rodgers has ruled out the prospect of postponing surgery until the end of the season.

The Reds’ priority is to ensure the £15million man is fully fit for the start of pre-season training in July so he will need to have the operation by early April.

Allen, who celebrates his 23rd birthday on Thursday, has had a history of problems with his shoulder since dislocating it playing rugby at school when he was 15.

In May 2010, during his time at Swansea, he was forced to undergo minor surgery, which only kept him out for a month.

But following a further three years of wear and tear, the ball and socket of his shoulder have come apart and the recovery time for the extensive work he needs doing to the joint is between 10 and 12 weeks.

Pepe Reina is continuing to have treatment on the calf injury which ruled him out against Spurs with the Reds hopeful he will return to the side for Saturday’s trip to Southampton.

Meanwhile, Liverpool won’t rush defender Martin Kelly back into action as he continues his rehabilitation following the cruciate ligament injury he suffered against Manchester United back in September.

The Academy graduate is back running at Melwood but has yet to resume full training and remains under the guidance of the club’s medical staff.

It’s possible Kelly could make a competitive return in the closing weeks of this season but Liverpool intend to tread carefully with the young England international.

They want to ensure he’s back firing on all cylinders for pre-season in July and won’t jeopardise that by fast-tracking his return.