Gerrard: I'll be ready for 2013-14
Steven Gerrard admits he's disappointed to miss Jamie Carragher's final game in a Liverpool shirt – but insists he'll be fully fit and firing in time for the start of pre-season training.
It was confirmed earlier this week the captain will miss the Reds' last two matches of the 2012-13 campaign after undergoing surgery on a recurrent shoulder problem, having previously figured in every league outing this term.
It's an injury that has progressively worsened over recent weeks, but Gerrard is confident he'll be back in peak condition by the time Liverpool begin preparations for next season in July.
He told LFC TV: "It's disappointing but to be honest, that [playing every league game] is not a very important personal achievement - what is more important is that I am fit and available for the team.
"Between the medical staff and myself, we've decided the best decision is to get it done now so I am ready for pre-season training.
"I'm very disappointed to miss the last two games, but it's a stage now where it's probably better if another player plays because he'll be able to offer more because the shoulder is quite sore."
Gerrard revealed he first sustained the injury in January, the but the hard work of the club's medical team allowed him to continue playing regularly and not allow the problem to prevent him from turning in a number of outstanding performances.
"I first got the injury against Oldham in the FA Cup when I came on as a sub and I've since aggravated it on numerous occasions," he explained. "The medical team and staff have been brilliant - they've helped me a lot and put a lot of hard work into getting me out there onto the pitch.
"I've felt my form has been good this season. I think I got off to a slow start after the tournament [Euro 2012] but got stronger as the season went on.
"I've enjoyed the season, although it is disappointing to leave it empty handed."
Gerrard will sit out Liverpool's last two fixtures with Fulham and Queens Park Rangers - the latter set to be Carragher's final-ever run out for the club.
The skipper is confident everyone connected with the Reds will be eager to ensure the 35-year-old bows out with a win.
Gerrard said: "I'm sure we'll be looking to finish on a high. Fulham is a tough game away from home, but I am quite confident. We're playing really well away from home - if you look at our recent performances against Aston Villa, Reading where we should have won comfortably and Newcastle where we blew them away.
"If we can hit anywhere near close to those three performances, I'm sure we can get three points at Fulham.
"Then there's Jamie Carragher's last game against QPR. I think all the players in the dressing room, all the supporters and the staff need to give him the lift he needs to make sure he goes off with a win."
On missing Carragher's final game, Gerrard added: "That's my main disappointment - that I can't share the last game with him. But it's always going to be nice to say the last game I played with Jamie was the derby.
"Hopefully he doesn't put too much weight on over the summer and can join me for my testimonial!"