Daniel Agger to fly to France for back operation

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger requires surgery on a persistent back problem that has blighted the new Premiership campaign. His "injury has not responded to treatment" and "following a further visit to a specialist, the 24-year-old has been booked in for an operation next week," reports the Guardian.

The Danish centre-back has been troubled by the problem since March and has now travelled to France for the operation. Agger could face "a lengthy rehabilitation programme and is unlikely to be back in action before November," says the Echo.

"The operation is likely to sideline the Danish international for up to six weeks," reports Sky Sports news or "several months," says the Guardian keen to cast a dark cloud over the Anfield club.