1.   Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard needs a groin operation and will definitely miss the World Cup, the club said Tuesday.

2.   National player Thomas Strunz, who recently had a groin operation, will also likely be absent.

3.   Senior fast bowler Danny Morrison, who is recovering from a groin operation, will undergo two fitness tests later this week.

4.   Willis is making his comeback through the New Zealand A side after a groin operation.

5.   Former Bath centre Waters is recovering from a groin operation.

6.   And Shearer has been earmarked for a comeback at Chelsea on Saturday just one month after his groin operation.

7.   But there is still no return date for England international Darren Anderton, who is gradually regaining fitness after a September groin operation.

8.   England captain Alan Shearer on Tuesday afternoon underwent his second groin operation of the season.

9.   Shearer had a groin operation in April which threatened to ruin his chances of playing in the tournament.

10.   Shearer risked his place by having a groin operation in April but an amazingly quick recovery put him back in an England shirt against Hungary three weeks ago.