Jon Flanagan Injury: Updates on Liverpool Defender's Knee and Return

Liverpool supporters have been hoping to see defender Jon Flanagan in action for quite some time, but the 21-year-old is expected to be sidelined for a few months.

According to Chris Shaw of LiverpoolFC.com, Reds manager Brendan Rodgers revealed Thursday that Flanagan's time on the shelf is far from over: "Young Jon Flanagan, unfortunately, has just had an operation that will probably have him out for a few months—which is disappointing."

Per James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo, Flanagan has been out of action since July due to fluid buildup in his left knee. The English up-and-comer's condition hasn't improved, so he was ultimately forced to undergo surgery.

Pearce expressed disappointment in the situation since the original expectation was that Flanagan would be back in September:

Flanagan made 23 EPL appearances for Liverpool last season and showed flashes of brilliance that had the Anfield faithful excited. He still needs more development from a defensive perspective, and this injury is robbing him of potentially valuable experience.

Liverpool are currently stuck in the middle of the Premier League table with two wins and two losses, and while Flanagan's return likely wouldn't have spurred a huge push up the standings, he certainly would have helped in terms of depth.

Glen Johnson, Javi Manquillo and Alberto Moreno have been among Liverpool's primary options at full-back so far this season. That will continue to be the case with Flanagan out of commission.

The Reds certainly need those players to step up and play with conviction in order to have EPL success. If they don't, then Flanagan may be able to challenge for a starting spot when he returns.

It is unclear at this point when Flanagan will be able to resume playing, but he figures to provide a boost in terms of youthful exuberance whenever he is fully recovered.

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