Carragher out for three months

Liverpool’s hopes of resurgence have taken a jolt after news of a three-month layoff for defender Jamie Carragher.

The 32-year-old centre-back dislocated his shoulder in the Reds’ 2-1 loss to Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Sunday and will undergo surgery on Friday.

Carragher said it was frustrating to pick up such a serious injury during a period where Liverpool had begun to re-build after a slow start to the season.

“I’ll be having surgery at the end of the week,” Carragher told the club’s website.

“The average is about 12 weeks. I’d like to come back before that but I’ve got to make sure it’s right.”

“It will probably be late February or early March when I’m looking to come back.”

“It’s difficult for me when I’m injured. It hasn’t happened very often, and I’m very lucky with that I suppose, but maybe it’s caught up with me a little bit now.”

Carragher said his long spell on the sidelines could prove a motivating factor later in the season against weary opponents.

“I’ve been here before with a broken leg which put me out this length of time,” he said.

“It’s not easy but you’ve got to get on with it, and it makes you more determined to get back.”

“I’m sure towards the end of the season when people are maybe feeling a little bit tired I’ll be raring to go.”

Carragher joins injured Reds captain Steven Gerrard on the sidelines, while Joe Cole is expected to make his return from a hamstring injury against Aston Villa at Anfield on Monday.