Joe Allen to have shoulder surgery

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that Joe Allen will undergo surgery to overcome a shoulder problem.

The Welsh international has struggled with the complaint since October last year and following a consultation with the club's medical team, it has been decided that an operation is required.

"We made a change today with Joe Allen having been struggling since October with his shoulder and he'll probably need an operation but it's an opportunity for Daniel [Sturridge] to come in," Rodgers told Sky Sports News prior to his side's match against Tottenham Hotspur this afternoon.

Allen joined the Reds for a reported £15m from Swansea City in August 2012.