Borini faces three months out

The injury forced the forward's early return from international duty with Italy Under-21's last week, as he aggravated a problem first suffered in the recent 2-1 defeat to Manchester United.

Borini was replaced by young Spaniard Suso at half-time during that game but still joined up with his national team, only to damage the bone further in training ahead of the European championship qualifier against Sweden. Italy won the tie 4-2 on aggregate.

A statement on Liverpool's official website, www.liverpoolfc.com, read: "Borini was assessed by the club's medical team upon his return to Melwood (training ground) and a decision was made for the 21-year-old to have surgery.

"Typically, an injury of this nature requires a three-month rehabilitation period."

Borini has yet to score in five Premier League games since his northern summer move from Roma, with his only goal coming in UEFA Europa League qualifying against Belarussian side Gomel.

However, his ongoing absence will be keenly felt with Liverpool having only one other senior forward, Luis Suarez, on its books.