Steven Gerrard has revealed that Nikola Katic has been ruled out for the rest of the season. 

The 24-year-old Croatia defender needed surgery on a torn ACL during pre-season training and is currently on his road to recovery.

Early reports had suggested that Katic may return before the season was out, but Gerrard has explained that will now not be the case.

He said: "The Katic situation is something we are going to have to assess and analyse as we move forward. 

"He is not going to be available this season, which will mean that he has missed a year's football.

"That is one where we will have to take our time in terms of getting him up to full speed.

"I'm in regular contact with Niko but there is no guarentees that he is going to be available.

"It is an injury where you have to take your time and really allow the injury to tell you when it is ready rather than pushing for a certain date.

"There are no guarentees on with Niko right now or come the summer time."