LIVERPOOL, AP:

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said Daniel Sturridge is expected to be out until September after the striker underwent hip surgery in New York earlier this week.

Sturridge will miss at least four England games - including three European Championship qualifiers - and likely the first two months of next season for Liverpool.

Rodgers said yesterday: "It is a long period of time out but we hope the problem and issues have been resolved with the operation."

Sturridge has played only eight games in the Premier League this season because of a combination of thigh, calf, and hip injuries.

Sturridge's lengthy absence has contributed to Liverpool's struggles. The striker formed a strong partnership last season with Luis Suarez, who moved to Barcelona in the off season. Liverpool are fifth in the league.