• Premier League

Liverpool hit with double injury setback

Liverpool defender Jon Flanagan will be out for several months after undergoing an operation on a knee problem, manager Brendan Rodgers says.

The 21-year-old has not played since suffering the injury in pre-season. Rodgers suggested in late August that Flanagan was set to return for the Premier League match against Aston Villa on September 13.

That match came and went without the full-back regaining fitness and he is now expected to miss a large chunk of the season.

Rodgers said: "Young Jon Flanagan, unfortunately, has just had an operation that will probably have him out for a few months - which is disappointing."

Ahead of Saturday's Premier League trip to West Ham, Rodgers also confirmed that midfielder Joe Allen will remain out for several weeks with the knee injury sustained during Wales' Euro 2016 qualifier in Andorra on September 9.

The manager, though, has indicated that striker Daniel Sturridge is set to resume training next week. Sturridge has been out of action since suffering a thigh injury in training while on international duty with England on September 5.

Rodgers said: "Daniel Sturridge should, we hope, be back training at some point next week. Joe Allen is still out and he'll be out for a few weeks yet."

The manager, meanwhile, has defended Philippe Coutinho after an underwhelming start to the season. Brazilian playmaker Coutinho, 22, was a key creative force in Liverpool's attack during his first season-and-a-half following an £8.5 million move from Inter Milan in January 2013.

But he has been substituted in three of his four appearances for Liverpool this season, and has struggled to make an impact.

Rodgers said: "He's been here 18 months and he's been absolutely brilliant. I don't think there's a question he can cope. You only have to measure how he's done since he's been here, and he's done it in the big games. He's been absolutely brilliant.

"I have no qualms about him. He's a big talent and he's lit up the Premier League since he came to the club. Like any player, he'll have some games where he'll only be a six out of 10, rather than a nine or a 10 out of 10 - but he will always give his best.

"There's no doubt over whether he has the power, the pace or the strength, because he's shown in games that he has all those qualities. He's very conscious that I have absolutely no doubts about him."

Liverpool visit West Ham looking to improve on a mixed start to the Premier League season, with two wins and two defeats from four matches.

But Rodgers insists that the Reds will improve as they go on - pointing to the run of 11 straight Premier League wins from February onwards that almost propelled them to last season's title.

He said: "I remember this time last year, in these press conferences, I was getting asked if we would be able to score goals. And we ended up with 101 goals.

"It's just time and patience with players. Last season, the way we played in February, March, April and May wasn't the way we were playing in September. It will be the same this year.

"If you look at my teams, it's something I've always said: By the time the second part of the season comes around, we will always be stronger and better."

Mario Balotelli will go into the game at West Ham seeking his first league goal for Liverpool since his £16m move from AC Milan in August. The Italy striker struck his first goal for the club in Tuesday's 2-1 Champions League victory over Ludogorets at Anfield.

Rodgers previously stated Balotelli must work non-stop if he is to become a Liverpool great, but his manager is confident the forward will go from strength-to-strength.

And Rodgers said: "I was very pleased for him. He was very good the other night. He pressed the ball hard, he worked well and took his goal fantastically. He's just adapting to playing regular football again, and I think the goal will do his confidence the world of good."

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