Rodgers confirms Flanagan spell out
Jon Flanagan is set to be sidelined for 'six to nine months', Brendan Rodgers confirmed today, following an important operation for the Liverpool defender.
A knee injury has prevented the 22-year-old from making a single appearance for the Reds this season, denying the chance to build on a stellar 2013-14.
The Scouser neared a return in March but careful assessment of his fitness at Melwood prompted the decision to undergo an operation for long-term benefits.
Rodgers explained: "He has fought back having been out for a period of time but the issue that he's had, if he didn't have the operation it was only going to delay it.
"Jon is a really strong character. He trained for a few days last week and looked absolutely brilliant.
"I was asking the medics if it was something that he definitely needed. But for him and his career, he definitely needed the operation and now he's had that and it will be over the course of the next six to nine months now.
"Hopefully we can get him back fit and stronger than ever because he's a really, really important player for us."
The disappointment of a ruined campaign has stood in stark contrast to the incredible progress Flanagan achieved last year.
Used on either side of defence by the boss, the Englishman was a stubborn, dependable and composed presence as Liverpool fought for the title.
"He has been a big miss for us," admitted Rodgers.
"He is the one player that I think has never been mentioned throughout the season, in terms of people looking at goals, people that have left the club and people that are here and have been unfit.
"But he has been a huge miss for us because in the second half of last season when he got into the team, he was arguably the best full-back in the league.
"He was absolutely outstanding; he went from a young player on the fringes to nearly arriving at the World Cup. For me, he has been a huge miss for us."