Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said Thursday that Flanagan underwent knee surgery this week and will be "out for a few months.".

Flanagan has become excess for Liverpool at this point, though he was important depth as the team will have to compete in the Champions League, FA Cup and Capital One Cup this season, in addition to Premier League play.

Flanagan is "edging towards [fitness] but is not in the squad yet", according to manager Brendan Rodgers.

Flanagan will likely have a tough time finding his way into the first team even when healthy, as new signings Javier Manquillo and Alberto Moreno have impressed in their first few matches for Liverpool.

Flanagan (knee) is "still a bit of time off" according to manager Brendan Rodgers when asked about the players fitness ahead of Liverpool's match against Manchester City on Monday.

Flanagan is still dealing with a knee injury he picked up in the preseason. Playing time is going to be hard to come by for the local lad with Liverpool's defense becoming as crowded as their attack after adding quite a bit of depth ahead of a heavy campaign this year.

Flanagan (knee) will not play in Liverpool's season opener against Southampton on Sunday, James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo reports.

Flanagan is still working his back to full fitness. Even when healthy, the young right back will have a fight on his hands for playing time now that the Reds have added defensive reinforcements over the summer.

Liverpool are expected to offer Flanagan a new contract this summer to reward the defender for his contribution and progress with the club this season, according to the Daily Mail.

Flanagan was an influencer in Sunday's victory over Manchester United. Performances like that have earned him the new agreement. The defender has 12 months remaining on his current contract.

Flanagan (hamstring) came on in the 73rd minute of Liverpool's FA Cup match against Bournemouth on Saturday.

Flanagan had missed more than a month due to his hamstring concern, but he was fit enough to feature off the bench Saturday. With that time under his belt, he should be good to go for Tuesday's Merseyside derby.

Flanagan (hamstring) is back training after being sidelined since mid December, Goal.com reports.

Flanagan would be a welcomed addition back to the Liverpool defense, which just lost Glen Johnson to an ankle injury.