Liverpool's Allen ruled out for remainder of season

Liverpool, England – Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen has been ruled out for the remainder of the season ahead of shoulder surgery, the club confirmed on Wednesday.

The 23-year-old has been battled a shoulder ailment since November and aggravated it in Saturday's 3-1 loss to Southampton.

Allen was withdrawn from the Wales national squad ahead of their World Cup qualifiers against Scotland and Croatia and will have surgery on his left shoulder on Thursday.

"Joe Allen is due to have a left shoulder operation on Thursday morning in Liverpool and will be ready to return to football at the beginning of next season," Liverpool team doctor Zaf Iqbal said.