Stoke City midfielder Wilson Palacios has been ruled out for "a few weeks" after undergoing a minor surgical procedure today.

The 29-year-old was originally named in the Potters' starting lineup for this afternoon's 1-0 defeat at Liverpool, but he was replaced by Marc Wilson following the pre-match warm-up.

A statement posted on Stoke's official website read: "Stoke City can confirm that Wilson Palacios was taken to hospital in Liverpool after an incident occurred in the pre-match warm-up which required immediate medical attention.

"Wilson has successfully undergone a minor surgical procedure from which he is now recovering from and is likely to be sidelined for a few weeks."

Palacios has not made a first-team appearance since November.