Robbie Fowler will in fact undergo an operation on his ankle, after Liverpool earlier denied reports that the striker needed surgery.

Boss Gerard Houllier has accepted the need for the England player to go under the knife to cure the problem that has persisted all season.

Fowler could be out of action for at least two months.

Houllier said: "It is obviously very disappointing news for Robbie, but after studying the specialist's report and discussing the matter at length with our own medical staff, it has been decided that he will need an operation.

"Unfortunately surgery has become necessary to remove the source of irritation that is inflaming the tendons attached to the ankle."

According to Thursday's Mirror newspaper, Fowler saw a specialist last week in an attempt to bring an end to an injury that has plagued him throughout the season.

Liverpool responded by denying the reports, but by the same afternoon they had acknowledged that a second operation - to follow surgery at the beginning of the season - would be necessary after all.

The news will come as a major blow to Houllier, who saw his other England striker, Michael Owen, return from Germany on Wednesday after visiting a specialist on his niggling hamstring problem.

The Merseysiders are facing a striker crisis with fellow forwards Titi Camara suspended later in the month and Erik Meijer still sidelined with a calf problem.

The lay-off for Fowler will present problems for England boss Kevin Keegan.

The Toxteth-born striker seems sure to miss next month's friendly against Argentina at Wembley and is now facing a race against time to be fit for England's bid in the European Championships.